Obituary of Sheila Mae Carlson
Sheila, of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Pioneer Village Care Home. Sheila was born April 8, 1937 in New Westminster BC, to Esther and Ben Johnson. She was raised on the farm near Wynyard with sisters Shirley Ann, Sylvia and Edna. The sisters were extremely close, and whenever they were together, tears and uproarious laughter flowed. We take comfort that three of them have been reunited in Heaven. In 1943 Sheila started school in a one room school house at Grandy where she met her lifelong best friend Imba Gislason. She learned to play piano by ear and grew to love art and music. In 1957 Sheila graduated from Teachers College and taught in many one room schools throughout southern Saskatchewan. In 1961, while teaching at Success School near Melville, Sheila met Lauren Carlson, the older brother of one of her students. They dated while Lauren attended Engineering at U of S. A year later the two were married. Lauren and Sheila spent every free moment together competing in archery, camping and snowmobiling. Sheila continued to develop her painting skills and work as a teacher. In 1969, they were blessed with their first child, Kevin Lauren and Sheila’s most beloved profession began. They welcomed Melanie Mae in 1971, and Melissa Joy in 1974. Sheila was a playful mother, preferring to build forts out of sofa cushions to dusting. Many days the children would come home from school to the smell of fresh baked, bread, cinnamon buns, cookies or other treats. Sheila went back to work as a substitute teacher in 1986 and became a popular sub on the roster. When Lauren retired in 1995 they bought a vintage Airstream trailer and a new community of friends were made in the Wally Byam Airstream Club. Lauren and Sheila travelled throughout Western Canada and the United States making wonderful memories. Upon the arrival of their first grandson in 1993 Sheila declared if she knew grand children were so much fun, she would have had them first! Her six grandchildren were the light of her life, and retired early to be a full time Amma. Sheila was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004 and was cared for by Lauren until 2015 when she was admitted to Pioneer Village care home. The family is deeply grateful to the staff who provided excellent care to Sheila. As family and friends walked and fed Sheila, her sweet nature remained smiling easily for those who interacted with her. The family will continue to remember her playful nature, deep love for us, and beautiful artwork. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Lauren; sister Shirley-Ann Laxdal; brothers-in-law Clarence Frank, Irving (Marlene) Carlson, and Evan Carlson (Nancy Charmichael); three children Kevin (Gisèle), Melanie (Greg) Pisesky, and Melissa (Eric) Costanza; grandchildren Brock, Adam and Kayla Carlson, Landon Buckley Pisesky, Keeara and Mario Costanza; as well as many nieces and nephews. Sheila was preceded in death by parents Benedict and Esther Johnson; sisters Sylvia Frank, Edna Johnson; and brother-in-law Grant Laxdal. All are welcome to join a Celebration of Sheila’s Life at Christ Lutheran Church, 4825 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK, on Thursday February 15, 2018 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
