SHEILA LOUISE HARRIS

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SHEILA LOUISE HARRIS

(nee ROBERTSON)

November 1, 1948 - August 6, 2026

If you knew Sheila, you knew you were loved.

It is with profound sadness, but immense gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Sheila Louise Harris (née Robertson).

Sheila was predeceased by her parents, John and Freda Robertson; and her brother, John Robertson. She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband Len Harris; her sister, Joan (George) Brost; her daughters and sons-in-law, Kathryn and Kirby Gompf, and Jaclyn and Darren Vande Graaf; and her five beloved grandchildren, Harris, Evy, Lilly, Garnett and Mae, who were truly the light of her life. She is also lovingly remembered by her four nephews and their families, and by countless dear friends whose lives are richer for having known her.

Growing up in several small towns throughout Manitoba, Sheila developed an appreciation for community, adventure and the beauty found in everyday life. She later attended the University of Winnipeg to earn her teaching degree, where she met her husband Len and made many great friends who remained a treasured part of her life for decades.

Teaching wasn’t simply Sheila’s profession; it was one of the many ways she loved people. As a nursery and kindergarten teacher, she welcomed children with warmth, patience, imagination and joy. She had a remarkable gift for making every child feel important, encouraging confidence through creativity, kindness and laughter.

Sheila lived with an adventurous spirit and was deeply connected to nature. Some of her happiest memories were made at the lake – a love that began at her family’s cabin on Granite Lake and continued while working summers at Minaki Lodge, camping at Rushing River, weekends at Longbow Lake and countless treasured days at Lake of the Woods surrounded by her growing family.

Sheila loved to swim. Nothing felt better than a dip in the lake. She was often the first one in and was delighted to have her family join…even when the grandkids were young and splashing. She never missed the chance to impress everyone with her effortless back float and legendary ability to tread water forever. Evening sunset swims were even more special.

Sheila lived an active and creative life, finding joy in the theatre, line dancing, aquacise, walks with friends at FortWhyte Alive, visits to The Leaf, gardening with her daughters, travelling with her sister Joan, and cuddling the family’s beloved granddogs. Thoughtful touches like a special napkin on the table, unique find from a local market, or a carefully chosen card were important to Sheila. Crocheted hats, blankets, tote bags and quilts are just a few of the handmade gifts Sheila made with love and will be cherished keepsakes forever.

Sheila loved her family with her whole heart. Welcoming Kirby and Darren from the very beginning and embracing them as part of the family. Above all, her five grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved nothing more than cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. Sheila and Len were their biggest fans, rarely missing a school play, band concert, dance recital, track meet, or basketball, hockey, and volleyball game. Together they created a lifetime of cherished memories, from family trips to Maui, where Sheila was happiest swimming in the ocean with her grandchildren before heading off for shaved ice, to birthday dinners and holidays filled with Easter egg decorating, gingerbread house building, tobogganing, party games, and plenty of spirited family competition. This past year brought two especially meaningful gifts: a long-awaited trip to Scotland with Kathryn and a special trip to Kelowna with Jaclyn. The memories created will be held close for years to come.

Sheila leaves behind a legacy of kindness. She taught us to notice beauty in ordinary moments, make people feel welcome, and love fiercely; the example she set will continue to shape our lives forever.

Our family extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us with prayers, kindness, visits, meals and love throughout this journey. We have been deeply comforted by your generosity and friendship.

Thank you to the incredible nurses at HSC for their compassion, kindness, and warmth.

Please join us as we celebrate Sheila’s remarkable life at The Leaf, Assiniboine Park on September 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Donations in Sheila’s memory can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2026