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Sheila Batchelor Obituary
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Sheila was a long-time resident of Ottawa during her career in the public service and in retirement returned to her birthplace of Hamilton (Dundas).
Sheila completed an Honours BA in Political Science at McMaster University in 1967. She went on to graduate studies at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
After returning to Canada from Nigeria in 1969 Sheila began her career in public service with the World University Service of Canada and from there went on to work at the newly formed NGO Division of the Canadian International Development Agency. At CIDA she developed lifelong friendships with many of her colleagues. Sheila continued in increasingly senior roles in the Government of Canada and in 1987 was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister at the Department of National Revenue. Following this she was appointed the Commissioner of Patents. As Sheila began contemplating retirement, she was looking for one last career challenge and went to Geneva to work for the World Intellectual Properties Organization and in 1997 was elected as Chair of the General Assembly of WIPO. She was the first Canadian and first woman to occupy this influential post.
In retirement Sheila continued her lifelong education and returned to McMaster to take courses in literature. Sheila also travelled to many countries including Brazil, France, Uzbekistan, and Iran. She also took the opportunity to visit and host her many relatives and friends.
A private graveside service will be held for the family.
Donations can be made to:
Lynwood Foundation
(www.lynwoodcharlton.ca)
Caring Society
(fncaringsociety.com)
World University Service
(wusc.ca)
Online condolences can be expressed at: (bit.ly/3so4565)
Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Batchelor
3 Entries
Kathy Verspagen
February 6, 2022
I met Sheila on my morning walks, going from our condo on Governor's Road to Dundas Driving Park. Of course she was walking Dancer, for whom I was delighted to give treats. When Sheila and Dancer would see me, and as long it was on Victoria or Melville (not Sydenham as it was too busy with traffic), Sheila would drop Dancer's leash and he would rush over for his treat.
We moved to Chatham Street (off Locke) in Hamilton in September, but still came to Dundas Driving Park for morning walks and to see 'my pups' for their treats. With the dark early mornings I hadn't seen Sheila in a while and was shocked when another dog walker on her street mentioned her passing.
I so hope that Dancer has a new and loving home with Sheila's family.
She also showed me her beautiful backyard one day ... amazing! Whoever moves into her beautiful home really has a prize.
I do miss Sheila and Dancer. We would always have a short chat.
I send heartfelt sympathy to Sheila's family and friends for their loss. Sheila was a very special person.
Wray Brown
January 29, 2022
Very saddened to hear of Sheila's passing. I had lived beside her on Melville and since then had occasion to visit. Sheila always had odd jobs to do around the house, deck & yard, but it was our brief visits and catching up of the old neighbourhood that I enjoyed the most.
Sheila was an intelligent, wonderful person.
I will miss her and our talks.
Lauren Ouellette
January 6, 2022
Shelia you are amazing, inspiring and I will miss you!!! I will tone my hair the copper you loved, tipping my hat to an incredible human!!! Your hairstylist Lauren xo
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