Sheila Edith DANN

SHEILA EDITH DANN Born at the peak of a hot Prairie summer in 1927, Sheila Edith Dann (née Johnston) was lucky to have as loving parents James Arthur Johnston and Edith Gwendolyn Johnston (née Beardsley). Unfailing in their simple belief that a reassuring pot roast, strong root vegetables, and a saskatoon pie would fix any emotional mishap, they modelled the message, 'No matter how little you have, you always have enough for others.' This kindness was also extended to stray cats and wildlife visitors. Growing up in Winnipeg, Sheila and her brother Brian (d. 2007) had the enviable freedom to explore the river banks, ride bikes without adult scrutiny, and roam the bush near Birds Hill whilst their parents picked berries for immediate picnics and winter desserts, a hopeful taste during Manitoba's characteristic deep-freeze. Her carefree spirit often earned her the disapproval of the stern educators at the Salvation Army Grace General Hospital where Sheila trained as a registered nurse, graduating in 1949. Her exceptionally warm personality and readiness for fun were quietly recognized as an asset, and she promised to be more punctual as she swirled her nurse's cape and set out on the road to heal and help others. Shortly thereafter, she traded the requisite heavily-starched nurse's cap for the sassy millinery of a flight attendant. 'Stews,' as they were called in the early 1950s, had to be nurses, and Sheila packed her bandage scissors and smart little dresses then headed to Toronto where she lived until the time of her death on May 24, 2021. She remained life- long friends with some of those early TCA (now Air Canada) recruits, most of whom returned to nursing after marriage, as did Sheila. Medical work at Canada Packers, Eaton's, Toronto Western Hospital and private duty made her yearn for wider opportunities, and in 1974 she graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc in Nursing. After several years in Public Health, she stepped over to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, working in Occupational Health and Safety until her retirement. Affirmative action was in its infancy; her readiness to embrace possibility, resist naysayers and withstand criticism allowed her to welcome women entering the workforce-often in industrial settings-with a sincere commitment to success. This rewarding career was woven into a most curious and colourful life. She played bridge with fervor, paddled a canoe, went to Niagara-on- the-Lake, eagerly read through Elaine Newton's book list, and cared for a long list of cats and two dogs with the tenderness of a true healer. However, it was with her growing family that Sheila was happiest. Her beaming smile added zest to the bustling lives of her daughter and three grandchildren. Apple and berry picking, baking, tobogganing, looking for the good-luck garden toad, TV dinners galore and, of course, sleepovers were No Parents Allowed occasions. She was devoted and dependable: piano recitals, choir concerts, camping in the rain, swim meets, cross-country runs, and graduations were made richer by the steadfast presence of the beloved Mutti. For 26 years she delighted in the family March- break trip to Sanibel Island in Florida. Her inextinguishable fascination for seashells and her agility in the rolling waves exemplified everything that made her admirable and lovable. Sheila modelled 'Yes, let's!' at every new idea from beads in her hair, to Italian classes, an eye-catching blue garage, and her big purple sunglasses. Her bright smile will always be remembered by her friends and family: daughter Cynthia Dann-Beardsley; grandchildren Rachel, Amelia and Max Ingram; great- grandson Oscar Quinlan; niece Leslie Klass; nephews Gordon Johnston and Robert Johnston. She will also be missed by Paul Quinlan, Brendan Keartland, Kait Jack and Burton Ayles. Sincerest thanks to Nisan Ariza, Betty Kapetanios, Lou Borges Soares, Donna Locke, the exceptional caregivers at Belmont House, and to Maria Martinez and Dr. Tang Wai of Toronto Western Hospital's memory unit. In honour of Sheila's kindness to people and animals, donations may be made to the Farley Foundation, www.thefarleyfoundation.org.