SHEILA MAURSTAD

Peacefully at the St Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit, with family by her side, Sheila Maurstad passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at the age of 78 years.

She leaves to mourn her passing her children, Pamela (JP), David (Lisa) and Kent (Lauren); her sister Lois (Denis) of Ottawa; and brother Grant (Brenda) of Moose Jaw. Sheila is predeceased by her parents, Frederick (Freddy) Fryklund and Ursula (née Urquart). A grandmother of five, Sheila will be greatly missed by Rowan; Ethan & Amy; and Jack & Ryann. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Sheila was born on May 5, 1946 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She graduated from Riverview High School in 1964 and went on to study at the Teacher’s College at the College of Education in Regina, Saskatchewan. She started her teaching career at Victoria School in Moose Jaw, as a second and third grade teacher. 

Sheila met her husband Jim Maurstad while he was completing his pilot training in Moose Jaw. They stayed in Moose Jaw for just over two years where both Pamela (Ella) and David were born. Jim was stationed in Hugelsheim, Germany for the next five years. A year before heading back to Canada, Kent was born in Lahr, Germany. While in Europe, they enjoyed trips to Russia, Switzerland, Holland, France, Scotland, and England, sometimes traveling with Sheila’s parents. After Germany, they were stationed in Cold Lake, AB for two years before moving to Winnipeg in 1980 where Sheila and the kids remain to this day.

Sheila found that she lost half of a year of education upon arriving in Manitoba as the University of Manitoba did not recognize some of her courses. Wanting to continue teaching, she worked part time substitute teaching and had a little help from her mom to pay for her classes. Sheila was petrified to drive in the big city, but despite this, made it to university from her home in St. James. Her hard work and determination paid off and she obtained her Baccalaureate of Education. She worked in a variety of schools in the St James area. Sheila went back to school and got her Special Education Certificate and found more work available in the inner city where she spent most of her remaining years before retiring. 

Sheila met some of her closest friends through teaching. She met Heidi, who then introduced her to the rest of the German friend group. Ingeborg, Trudy and Christa. For years they got together regularly to play cards or take turns making fancy lunches. Sheila greatly appreciated these friendships. 

Sheila found much solace in gardening. Her perennial garden is absolutely beautiful. It is something she has been building on for over 30+ years and has spent much more time on since retiring. Sheila’s flower garden had flowers from early spring until the end of the growing season, flowers came up all season long. The echinacea and other coneflowers, as well as the daisies are among her favourites. 

Sheila also took much joy in decorating for the holidays, her home was very festive both inside and out. There was no guessing which holiday was coming up when you pulled into the driveway. Mom had pride in her home and it was always so well taken care of.  

Mom supported her three children always. And when Ella had her spinal cord injury - mom showed love, strength, courage and her always unwavering support. A single mother since we were in our mid to late teenage years, we are so grateful for the sacrifices she made ensuring we were well taken care of... So sad about the years we’ll miss, but my mom really instilled in us everything we will ever need to continue to succeed and to raise our own children to become incredible human beings. 

We love you, mom!

A special thank you to Dr. Butterworth and Trish and Lauren from the Community Palliative Care team. Thank you to Dr. Ted and all staff on the St Boniface Palliative Care Ward, all of whom were wonderful. Thank you to neighbors who sent over food, cards, helped with yard care, and other thoughtful gestures. And thank you to her friend Trudy with her regular calls and messages on the answering machine. Whether our mom was well enough to pick up the phone or not, she always knew she was thought about and cared for. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Cancer Care or the Lung Association would be gratefully accepted. 

A private family service will be held at the Rosedale Cemetery in Moose Jaw, SK at a later date.

Sheila’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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