Born August 2, 1938, in a log cabin, Sheila grew up on a farm near Athabasca, Alberta. As a young woman, she was ahead of her time, recognizing the value of a career and the independence that it gave her. Always excelling, her first employer—a customs brokerage in Edmonton—was sad to lose her to the nursing program at the University of Alberta in 1957. She qualified as a Registered Nurse. Later, she married, raising three children with Geof Collier in Kitimat and Kamloops.
While being a mother, Sheila continued to expand her interests into the community as a real estate agent, as a member of many boards and associations, and as a political campaigner. She returned to nursing in the 1980s, meeting many new lifelong friends. In 1985, she married Peter Baron, and shared 32 wonderful years with him.
She loved cats, skiing, summers at the Shuswap, and a night out at the theatre wherever she was—at home or around the world. She lived a rich and full life, meeting its every challenge with strength, grace, and generosity.
Sheila died on April 5th in Kamloops, BC at the [Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice///Kamloops Hospice] of Pancreatic Cancer. Sheila will be remembered by her immediate and extended family, her friends, and her community as a deeply compassionate and loving presence.
FAMILY: PETER BARON, Husband of 32 years. STUART COLLIER, Son, Vancouver. Dr. TODD COLLIER, Son, (Leslie Collier) Kamloops. KIM COLLIER, Daughter, Toronto. Dr. STEPHEN BARON, (Dr. Fiona Kay), Kingston. JOANNE BARON, (Frank Law), Kamloops.
GRANDCHILDREN: MADELINE COLLIER, Victoria. QUENTIN COLLIER, Toronto. SIMONE COLLIER, Kamloops. CAELAN BARON, Kingston. DEVYN BARON, Kingston. BRENDAN LAW, Kamloops. JAYNA LAW, Kamloops.
PREDECEASED: Dr. GEOF COLLIER, Father of Kim, Stuart, and Todd. FERGUS CONWAY, Son of Stuart Collier. PHOEBE CONWAY, Daughter of Stuart Collier. AZRA YOUNG, Daughter of Kim Collier.
Sheila was grateful to her friends and family who travelled with her on her final journey. Join us to honour Sheila Collier’s life at the Sagebrush Theatre, with music and good company, Sunday April 30th, 2-4 PM. If inclined, contributions to Kamloops Hospice, Western Canada Theatre, or SPCA would be appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to DrakeCremation.com 1-877-674-3030