Obituary of Lois Helen Catherine Sheffe
Lois (Loie) Helen Sheffe
Tribute
Born Feb 13, 1926; Died Dec 24, 2020
With gratefulness for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Loie Sheffe on Christmas eve, 2020 surrounded by loved ones in Ottawa, Ontario. Her husband of 49 years, Norman Sheffe predeceased her in 2005.
Loie was the dear mother of Stephen (Lisa) St. Catharines, ON, and Nora (Joe) Ottawa, ON and proud grandmother of Benn and Jane Van Ryn.
Loie was one of four children born in St. Catharines, ON to John Garner and Helen (Phalan). She is predeceased by brother John and sister Peggy Keating, and survived by sister Jean Pilla.
When her mother died suddenly of pneumonia when she was 11, Loie went off to St. Joseph College School, Toronto with her sister Peggy. She graduated from the University of Toronto, majoring in Latin and English. From there, Loie went on to teaching at Meritton and Grantham High Schools. At that time, she met Norman Sheffe, a fellow teacher and history specialist, and they married in 1956. Their decision to marry caused quite a stir at the time, as she was a devout Catholic, while Norman was both Jewish and agnostic. They were inseparable since that time up to Norman’s passing in 2005.
Loie’s dynamic personality and effective teaching style earned her great praise from her students. She, like her sister Peggy, loved poetry and could recite many poems by heart.
Loie is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States.
Her mother Helen taught her how to knit at the age of 8 and she did not stop until shortly before her passing - an 86-year career. Her beautiful and intricate creations were largely knit while watching her beloved Toronto Blue Jays. She was so excited to witness their World Series Championships in 1992 and 1993.
She would knit upwards of 40 sweaters or afghans annually which were presented as special gifts for family and friends. When she eventually relocated from St. Catharines to Ottawa in 2016 to live close to family at Stonehaven Retirement Residence in Ottawa, she could often be found in the lobby knitting away on her latest project while engaging in conversation with whoever passed by to comment on her work.
Loie brimmed with love and positive energy for those around her and her infectious booming laugh was contagious. She was host to many family and friends who always benefitted from fantastic home cooked meals and great stories.
Loie was an outstanding mother, grandmother, and aunt and made fast friends wherever she went. She was positive and boisterous, and cheered on all accomplishments big and small with equal fervour, listened attentively to those around her, and fully supported those in time in need. She had tremendous patience and providing countless hours of support to Stephen throughout his school years. She cheered on Nora and her grandchildren at numerous sporting events. In 2020, she was happy to see both her grandchildren graduate from university. Loie was so proud of her family.
She had abundant energy, a huge joie de vivre, a great sense of humour, and a willingness to jump into new experiences. She and Norman regularly travelled to visit family in Canada and the United States – particularly Cape Code and Rhode Island with the Keating clan - which became an annual trek. During these excursions, she was not averse to driving a SEADOO or take a dip in the ocean with waves well above her 4”10 frame. She and Norman also had a few extended, memorable trips to visit her daughter Nora’s family while they worked in Southern Africa. Her 3 visits to Africa included wildlife safaris, sunset trips down the Zambezi, Victoria Falls, and time learning about the history and culture of Zimbabwe.
Loie absolutely loved Christmas. She took great pains to make special food and treats; buy or make gifts; and put up many decorations and special touches around the house. She made hosting seem effortless as everything was planned and prepared to a tee. Singing Christmas carols with Stephen was also an annual event. She made these experiences so special much to the delight of everyone around her.
Loie took up fitness when she was 75 - she and her friend Addie would lift weights 3 times a week and she would attend an aerobics class twice a week. She inspired us all with her dedication. When Loie was well into her 80s, she thought nothing of hauling groceries for older friends, or jumping in her bright red Toyota Yaris, with her CDs of Broadway show tunes, and make the 6.5 hour drive up to Ottawa to visit family.
In her final years, she gracefully accepted the growing impact of dementia while maintaining a profound sense of gratefulness for the people she fiercely loved and who loved her just as much back. She also maintained her well entrenched sense of humour right up until the end. In her last months she taught us a few final lessons: of acceptance; of letting go; and gratefulness for all the positive relationships and experiences she had over such a long and productive life.
A small service will be held for Loie in late 2021 when her ashes will be buried beside Norman. In lieu of flowers, Loie’s memory may be honoured by a contribution to Community Care of St. Catharines (on left of this page)
