It is with profound sadness that the family of Sheila Elizabeth Haywood announces her passing into the arms of the Lord on November 11, 2022.
She is survived by her eight children: Daniel Ernst (Lisa), Debbi Ernst, Peter Ernst (Cheryl), John Ernst (Tamara), David Haywood (Trudy), Debbie Haywood, Glenn Haywood (Cheryl), and Carol Haywood.
Sheila was born in Vancouver, B.C. in 1936 to Irish immigrant parents and kept a lively interest in Ireland (especially its music) throughout her life. Married to Jack Ernst in 1956, twins Daniel and Debbi were born in 1957 while they lived in 100 Mile House, B.C. Peter followed closely in 1958. The family moved to Kamloops B.C. in 1960 where son John was born in 1962. Tragically Jack passed away in 1971. Sheila returned to school to become a social worker but, in 1973, she packed up the family and relocated to Edmonton (with her four lifelong friends Bonnie and Dick and Bonnie and Dick).
With her outgoing, life-of-the-party personality, Sheila gravitated to real estate, working as an agent with A.E Lepage and Realty World. Her life took a turn for the better when she was introduced to Ken Haywood. Both were instantly smitten and they married in 1984. Their marriage was filled with regular gatherings of their large, combined family and numerous journeys to locations around the world, both with Ford of Canada, with friends, and on their own. Cleaning out the basement, son John found himself digitizing 28 photo albums of vacation trips, along with numerous boxes of pictures, many of the sunsets that Sheila loved to paint. She spent many years enjoying chorus singing with Gateway Chorus in Edmonton.
After Ken’s death in 2011, she continued to enjoy many warm friendships in Edmonton and Victoria, though a stroke in 2017 greatly constrained her ability to travel. She spent the last four years of her life at Butterfly Meadows at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital.
She is survived by her children, 18 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren; as well as sisters, Kathleen Hawkins of Oak Harbor, Washington, Helen Lyall of Richmond, BC; and brother, Jack Boyce of Pitt Meadows, BC.
Sheila was predeceased by grandchildren, Michelle Shegelski and Trenton Jacknisky in 2012; father, Nathaniel Boyce in 1971; mother, Ida in 1973; brothers, Henry (Ray) in 1951, Norman in 1996, and William in 2016; and step-son, Gary Haywood in 2022.
A Visitation with urn present will take place between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011 – 114 Street, Edmonton.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Joe’s and especially to mom’s special care-giver, Anne Hamelin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital, Butterfly Meadows.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sheila Elizabeth Haywood nee Boyce 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta