SHEILA SMITH

It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Sheila Smith, aged 64, of O'Connor Township, on March 5, 2025 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Sheila was born on January 18, 1961 in Fort William to Don and Edna Henry. She spent her childhood growing up in Green Acres, and her married years in O'Connor Township. In 1990, Sheila married the love of her life Doug Smith, known to all as "Smitty".

The Smith home was always open to whomever dropped by. Together, Sheila and Smitty built a beautiful timberframe home in O'Connor. With Smitty's guidance, she too became an accomplished carpenter. Their building projects were always stunning and done to a high standard of excellence.

Sheila loved to cook and host meals, many special gatherings were held at the O'Connor homestead. Always with lots of laughter, love and great music.

Sheila was a spark, a whirlwind of energy with endless curiosity and wonder. She had an incredible memory and loved to tell stories about past adventures with intricate and often long forgotten details. Creative, witty, and passionate about what she believed in, Sheila always kept it interesting. To know her was to love her as her laugh was infectious, her smile and wink in her eye so charming. She loved to make jars of salsa with her friend Jojo, tomato sauce with her brother Doug, and of course, the world famous beef jerky that she and Smitty crafted several times a year. Always proud of the product, but it was the togetherness with friends and family that she loved.

Several years ago she suffered a fall that severely injured her back. She was not able to work after that, however, her indomitable spirit did not stop her from engaging in life to the fullest.

Sheila's love of animals was unsurpassed. Dogs and cats were always present at the Smith home, often having unique and humorous names. Some of her favourites times were spent with her dogs down at the swimming hole.

One of the favourite things Sheila loved to do was go down to the marina for the Bluesfest. The weekend meant renting room 411 at the Shoreline, working at Laura's food booth and hosting epic parties at the end of each evening. This weekend was something she looked forward to and enjoyed for many years.
Sheila is survived by her husband Smitty. She is also survived by her brother David (niece Jana and family), brother Doug (Melanie), (nieces Carly, Kimberly, Kelsey (Ethan), Lindsay and family, Kaitlyn and family, Whitney and family), sister-in-law Dorothy (Randy) (nephew Dan and family, niece Stephanie), brother-in-law George (Delores) (niece Kristin and nephew Dan and family), brother-in-law Gord (Michelle). Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews are also saddened by her passing.

She was predeceased by her parents, Don and Edna Henry, in-laws Harry and Tallie Smith, sister Susan Galvin, sister-in-law Janis Henry.
The family would like to thank Jojo Cotter, Laura Cotter and Brooks Swanson for their unwavering support and love for Sheila in her final days. We will never forget your compassion and care for Sheila. We would also like to thank cousin Gayle Leroux for your wisdom, guidance, love and for being there. Also, thank you to the staff and nursing staff of 2A, especially Brian (aka Rolex). Thank you to the many doctors who provided excellent care with compassion.

There will be an interment in the spring. Arrangements have been provided by Northwest Funeral Alternative. If desired, donations may be made to Northern Cancer Fund.

To remember Sheila, raise a glass in her honour, have a laugh or listen to your favourite John Prine tune and sing out loud! Here's to you Sheila, you will be dearly missed but never forgotten. "Love ya bye!"