Born August 14, 1952, Sheila Boudreault passed away early Saturday morning, November 15, 2003, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Her final moments were in the loving arms of her husband, Dan, at the Port Hardy Hospital.
Her family and friends are deeply saddened but powerfully blessed to have been part of her caring presence in this world. Her appreciation, determination and delight in every moment that life offered was an inspiration to each and every person whose soul she touched and loved.
Sheila was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and lived there until she was eleven years old. Her parents, Alphonsus and Irene Molloy, passed away several years ago.
Sheila, her parents and her three brothers left Newfoundland and lived in a number of Maritime communities as her father’s trade, pipefitter, often led them to different shipbuilding communities. In one of these communities, Sheila met her husband-to-be, Dan Boudreault, when she was 15 and he was 17 years old. Their friendship blossomed into thirty-one years of marriage (1972-2003).
In the early years of their marriage, Sheila enjoyed working at home while supporting Dan in his teaching career.
In 1977 they relocated to British Columbia where Dan continued his career and Sheila worked initially in a ladies boutique in Merritt. They spent six wonderful years in Merritt where they developed powerful and lasting friendships.
In 1982 Sheila began her best career — motherhood — when her daughter Emily arrived in September, bringing incredible joy to Sheila’s life.
Following Merritt, in 1983 Sheila, Dan and Emily moved to a small community in the Terrace School District, where Dan took on a new principalship.
In 1986, Sheila and her family moved to Port Hardy following Dan’s appointment as principal of Robert Scott School. In June of 1987, Sheila’s family expanded with the arrival of her son, Paul. From 1982 until 1992 Sheila lived the happiest days of her life as mother at home with Emily and later both Emily and Paul. What incredible joy she took in motherhood and what a wonderful mom she was.
In 1992, when Paul started school, Sheila applied her skills as a substitute special education worker and loved it. For the next ten years she worked primarily at Port Hardy Secondary School but also had some earlier work at both Eagle View and Robert Scott. She continued in this new career until it was necessary to stop working for health reasons in December 2002. Her co-workers and supervisors will tell you she was a talented caregiver. She often said she loved her job, her co-workers and the students she supported.
Motherhood continued to be a dominant force in Sheila’s life. She was so proud of Emily and Paul. She took an active role in all their interests and supported their fun and achievements in any way she could.
Sheila’s life was defined by her unlimited generosity of spirit as well as her love and support - not only for her family, but also for all who knew her. Sheila genuinely cared for people and knew how to express her appreciation and concern. She was passionate about family and enjoyed, most of all, those times when family was gathered together.
Sheila is survived by her brothers, Phonse (Rose) Georgetown, P.E.I.; John (Laura) Hamilton, Washington, U.S.A; Jerome of Saint John, New Brunswick and numerous nephews and nieces.
She is also survived by her “in-law” family; Len (Cathy) Ottawa, Ontario; Yvonne Higgins (Duke), Montague, P.E.I.; Mike (Linda), Montague, P.E.I.; her loving mother-in-law, Zita Boudreault, Montague P.E.I.; Bev and Leightan, Marie and Thomas and the “Merritt Gang”.
Sheila’s most treasured life will survive in the hearts of her incredible daughter, Emily, Chilliwack, B.C. and her wonderful son, Paul. She will forever remain in the heart and spirit of her loving husband, Dan.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rain fall soft upon your field
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 19th, 2003 at 2:30 pm at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 4750 Byng Road in Port Hardy.
Following this, a special service to honour Sheila’s memory and spirit, will be held at the Port Hardy Civic Centre at 4:30 pm Wednesday, November 19th, 2003.
Envelopes for memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society will be available at the Civic Centre. Those wishing to send flowers may have them delivered to the Civic Centre early Wednesday afternoon, November 19th, 2003.