October 3, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with profound sadness that the family of Sherrill Ann McConnell of Sidney, B.C. announce her sudden, yet peaceful passing. Our sweet, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend was issued her wings on October 3, 2024, at the age of 76.
She will be cherished forever by her daughters Sheila Purdy (Tod), Shandi Charette (Randy), Shellene McConnell, and Shannon Dayley (Wade). Also loving her eternally are her seven grandchildren Brianna Parker (Chris), Brock Purdy (Kyla), Kaitlyn Charette, Karlee Charette, Braedyn Charette, Jasmine Dayley and Levi Dayley, along with great-granddaughter Molly Parker.
She is also survived by her sister and very best friend, Judy Prier, with whom she had an unbreakable bond. In addition, she leaves behind her McConnell family siblings, who have been part of her life since she was a teenager, particularly Joan, with whom she shared a special friendship. Many nieces, nephews and extended family will also remember her fondly. She was predeceased by her husband and soulmate, Hugh, her parents Art and Gladys Prier, and her parents-in-law, Noel and Ruby McConnell.
Mom was born in Vancouver, and spent her early childhood years in Edmonton, before coming back to B.C., where her family called Richmond home. It was at Steveston High that she met her beloved Hughie, her one and only true love, with whom she raised four daughters with unconditional love and affection. In 1972, they packed up and headed for the Yukon, a chapter that mom would look back on as some of the most formative and inspiring years of her life.
In 1977, the family settled in Port Hardy, where they stayed until 1988. It was in Port Hardy that mom truly felt at home, building meaningful lifelong friendships and making memories that she'd carry in her heart forever. When not stitching a dance costume by hand, volunteering at a school event, or ensconced in a recipe book, you'd find her enjoying family cookouts at the beach, boat rides on the ocean, or teaching her daughters how to do the twist. Some of her best memories were made at the McConnell family homestead on Salt Spring Island, a place to relax and connect with her favourite people.
After leaving Port Hardy, the family went back to Steveston. When a plane crash tragically took the life of "her Hughie" in 1991, mom took on the role of matriarch and moved back to Vancouver Island, keeping family traditions alive and pouring herself into being a mother and grandmother. She was the mom that everyone wished they'd had, and we were lucky enough to call her our very own. Her devotion to her family was timeless.
Her world, and her heart, grew even more when she became a grandmother. Nothing brought her joy like her special relationships with each of her grandchildren. They could always rely on Grandma (aka "Grandma Sweetpea", "Gam Gam" or "G-Ma") to be there to wrap her arms around them, affectionately call them by their pet names, proudly cheer them on, and leave her signature lipstick print on their cheek. Time with grandma meant tea parties, sleepovers, and special treats. Her home was always a soft place to land for anyone she cared about.
Anyone who was blessed enough to have mom touch their life knew her as an expressive storyteller, an empathetic listener, and a lot of fun to be around. She delighted in serving others and took on work that filled her soul, whether as a crisis counselor, doula or volunteer.
You've earned your wings, mom. Somewhere up in heaven, you are "toodling" along in a hot rod, reunited with the love of your life. Nighty night, sleep tight.
As Mom did not wish for a big service, the family will be holding a small celebration to honour her in their own special way. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to please remember her by taking part in one of her favourite things— a walk near the ocean, a campfire cookout, or sharing an act of kindness.