September 30, 1935 - May 21, 2021
Sheilagh Best passed away on May 21, 2021, in Vernon, BC. Sheilagh was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, home-base for many important maternal family connections. While still young, she moved to Deep River, ON where she built several life-long friendships.
After high school, Sheilagh trained as a teacher and began her career. In Ottawa for the summer, she met the love of her life, Donald Best. They married and settled in Peterborough, ON where they had three children, Donald, Ann, and Robert.
Tragically, Donald drowned at age three, a life-changing event for both Sheilagh and Don. When Ann and Robert were school aged, Sheilagh returned to teaching, a great fit for her. During her Peterborough years, she completed her Bachelor of Arts as well as her Master's in Special Education.
In 1981, Don, Sheilagh and Robert made a HUGE change, moving to Cassiar, BC (2 hours south of the Yukon border!). After getting over the culture shock, they embraced the North and built many more close friendships with some interesting characters who chose to live in this remote mining village.
In 1986, Sheilagh and Don settled in Kelowna, BC, and she taught high school English and Drama, retiring in 1999. In retirement, she enjoyed a stint with the Raging Grannies, moved to Vernon, BC, found time to work on her poetry, and welcomed her grandchildren, Emma and Ian, into her life.
She and Don also travelled the world. In 2002, Sheilagh suffered a debilitating stroke. Although it slowed her down, she and Don continued travelling for many more years.
Sheilagh is survived by her daughter, Ann (Barry) Dorval; her son Robert (Betty) Best; her grandchildren, Emma & Ian Dorval; her brother Mike (Linda) Ware; her nieces and nephews; and her extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Don Best; and her son, Donald; as well as her older brother, Don Ware.
A Celebration of Life was held at Trinity United Church (3300 Alexis Park Dr, Vernon, BC), in light of restrictions being lifted all are welcome to attend on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Alternatively, if you are unable to come in person, please feel free to join online by Livestream. A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the MS Society of Canada, mssociety.ca. To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
Springfield Funeral Home