Obituary of Sheila Yvonne Beaton

June 29, 1925 – August 3, 2019

Sheila Yvonne Beaton nee Fitz-Gerald died at the age of 94 years in the Palliative Care Unit at the Regina Pasqua Hospital. Predeceased by her parents Marjory and Maurice Fitz-Gerald, husband Ed, brother Gerald Fitz-Gerald, sister-in-law Peggy Fitz-Gerald and son-in-law Robert Kohli, she is survived by her sister Oonagh MacDonald, daughters Patricia Kohli and Diane Gingras; sons Robert (Manuela), Rex (Gwen), and Gerald (Marylynne) Beaton; grandchildren: Julene Harmel, Evan and Aaron Kohli; Ashley and Carmen Beaton; Jocelyn McCall, Devin, Delaney and Page Beaton; Shauna and Darcy Gingras; Marc and Danielle Beaton; great-grandchildren: Samantha Gingras; James and Anthony Gingras; Matthew, Avery and Rory Harmel; Mitchell, Codee, Rylynn and Ryder Kohli; Kyler and Paiton Kohli; Freya McCall; and Clara Beaton.

Sheila was born in Arcola SK and was the second of three children.  After moving around to accommodate her father’s work as a schoolteacher and principal, the family eventually settled near Grenfell SK to farm the family homestead.  After completing high school in Grenfell, Sheila wanted to become a social worker but a lack of funds prevented her from pursuing her dream.

At age 17, she moved to Regina to attend secretarial school, after which she worked with the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture in Regina, where she met Ed Beaton. In 1947, they were married and the newly wed couple moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Ed pursued a doctorate at the University of Wisconsin. Upon returning to Canada, they lived in North Battleford and McLean, before moving to Regina in 1956 where they continued to raise their family of five children.

Sheila had a passion for helping others in the community. When her children started leaving home, she fostered children for several years. When she was subsequently employed with the Regina Public School System at both Douglas Park and Elsie Dorsey Schools, Sheila would take children and their families under her wing. For many years, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Regina Humane Society, Qu’Appelle House, St. Luke’s Anglican Church choir and its ladies auxiliary.

Being a farm girl, Sheila loved the outdoors, gardening and animals. She allowed her children to bring home almost any pet, including dogs, cats and even a horse. Over the years, she raised and trained many dogs that she had brought home from the Humane Society.

Sheila had many pastimes. She was a pianist and as a young adult, she sang with the Regina Lyric Light Opera and even recorded a record. She frequently enrolled in French courses and for holidays, she and Ed would attend French Immersion classes at the University in Montreal. In later years, she took up painting. Her children proudly display some of her works on their walls. Sheila was a faithful servant of the Lord always putting others’ needs before her own. She will hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sheila was a special Granny. She loved family and friends unconditionally. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and so very proud of her family. She was most happy spending time with her family, whether it be visiting one of her grandchildren or sharing dinners with her ever-expanding family.

The family would like to thank the Palliative Care staff at the Pasqua Hospital for their kindness, support and care for Sheila. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Sheila’s Life will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3233 Argyle Road, Regina SK NEXT Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11:00 am.  A reception will follow the service. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, those so wishing may make donations in her memory to St. Luke’s Church, 3233 Argyle Rd, Regina, SK, S4S 2B5 or Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, 3535 8^th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 0T6.