Sheila Jane Murray
(nee Matheson)April 29, 1929 – May 19, 2020
After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Sheila died peacefully on May 19, 2020 at Weston Gardens Retirement Residence in Toronto, ON. Sheila was ninety-two years old. She leaves behind the love of her life, John (Jack) Richard Murray who is 95 years old. Together, Sheila and Jack raised two children, Jane Anne and John Roderick (Colleen). Sheila was the very proud grandmother of Matheson (Cecilia Hui) and Kevin (Kailee Kilburn). She is predeceased by her only sister, Mary Maureen and brother-in-law William (Bill) Meiners. Sheila was a loving aunt to three nephews, Ken (Linda), Don and Billy (deceased 1981).
Sheila was born on April 29, 1929 in Toronto and was the oldest daughter of Lillian May (Humphrey) and Roderick Matheson. Their Pearson Avenue family home backed onto a laneway that connected Sheila to her lifelong love, Jack Murray. Growing up they both attended Church of the Epiphany, Fern Avenue Public School and Parkdale Collegiate. They married on July 8, 1950 and spent their honeymoon in Temagami and later, in Bermuda. This July, Jack and Sheila would have celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary.
After graduating from Parkdale CI, Sheila attended Toronto Normal School (Teacher’s College), and pursued her career as a primary school teacher. For a time Sheila remained home dedicating herself to raising Jane Anne and Rod. In 1967 Sheila returned to teaching and taught the next 30 years at Castlebar Public School and Norseman Junior Middle School in Etobicoke. Many students returned to thank Sheila for her mentoring. In fact, Funeral Director Graham Hogle was one of her primary school students who stayed in contact throughout her lifetime.
In the summer months Sheila and Jack volunteered at Ontario Pioneer Camp. Additionally, Sheila worked tirelessly at Christ Church St. James Food Bank & Pantry. As a young woman she mentored youth through the Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA). She tirelessly campaigned for the Canadian Cancer Society for over thirty years and was honoured with their volunteer service pin. She was a two-time survivor of breast cancer.
In 1967 Sheila and Jack built a cabin at the Mansfield Ski Club where the family spent the next 40 years entertaining friends, enjoying downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, cycling and playing tennis. Friendships made at the Pine River Chalets community were cherished. It’s here that Sheila spent quality time with her grandsons Matheson and Kevin hunting for frogs, swimming, skiing, skating on the pond, making maple syrup and baking butter tarts. Sheila showered her grandchildren with unconditional love.
Their circle of friends was wide and Sheila was gifted in the way she maintained contacts with many social groups and relatives. Guests in the Murray residences in South Etobicoke and later, on the Lakeshore at Marina del Rey, were always treated like family. She was a extraordinary hostess.
In 2015, Sheila and Jack moved to Weston Gardens Retirement Residence whose staff provided excellent care. In particular, the family wishes to acknowledges the love, dedication and professionalism provided by private caregivers Wilma, Annie and Angelique.
Due to Covid-19, a private family service and interment will be held at Glendale Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society or Christ Church St. James Food Bank and Pantry would be appreciated.
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Tuesday May 19th 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Sheila Jane Murray Tuesday May 19th 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Toronto, Province: Ontario