SHELAGH DOROTHEA DOUGLAS (SUTHERLAND)

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SHELAGH DOROTHEA DOUGLAS (nee SUTHERLAND) Assured of her Lords love for her, and in presence of her family, Shelagh Dorothea Douglas died on Friday, July 9, 2004. Cherishing her memory and her impact on their life is her husband of 48 years, Robert (Bob), daughter Barbara (grandson Ian), son John and Heather (granddaughter Kate and grandson Michael), Neepawa, MB. and daughter Anne and Peter Roberts (grandson Evan). Treasuring memories stretching back to their childhood are her brother Dr. Ian & Eva Sutherland, her sister Jane Parker, Kingston, ON and her cousin Pat Hutcheson, Pittsburgh, PA, and their families. Aunt Shelagh was very fond of her host of loving nieces and nephews, and so enjoyed our family "gatherings." Shelagh was predeceased by her dad George, her mother "Winnie", Aunt Grace and Uncle John, Aunt Barrie, Aunt Alice, Aunt Bertha, brother-in-law Hal; Gertrude and many friends. Shelagh believed friendship was a gift, and she was blessed with many caring friends through her life. She often demonstrated to others the "sign" in sign language for friend. She would tell you that sometimes you hold your friends up, and at other times they are there for you and support you. She lived this experience every day and travelled her and their journey, be it joyful or challenging. Shelagh often spoke of how she grew up in a loving home, including her summers spent in Gimli. Her parents and aunt were deaf and she learned sign language as she learned to speak. She had so much admiration for her parents, and learned from their example and involvement in the community. Her grandmother was a major influence in her early years and she strived to be such to her grandchildren. She was deeply devoted to each of her grandchildren, intuitively knowing each ones individual needs as only Grandma could understand. She had a comforting, reassuring story or song for every situation, and they feel her imprint on their heart. Mom said that when she was a young woman she prayed to God to help her create a happy home with her loving husband. They worked alongside each other and God blessed them with three children to love. Moms legacy to her children is her lessons of love, honesty, and forgiveness. We thank her for her powerful example to us. Mom lived and was sustained by her faith, and believed in the power of prayer. Mom offered each of us her strength and guidance, and always put her own needs aside to attend to ours. In her living, and in her dying her concern was for others. We will miss her continual support and unwavering compassion. Mom supported Dads endeavours with farm organizations, Camp Wannakumbac and his political career at Winnipeg City Council as a partner in all he did. Shelagh devoted many volunteer hours to the Annie A. Bond Guild of Childrens Hospital, and to UNICEF. She served God and believed that Gods work is done through our hands, feet and voices. Christian Education was her focus in her serving. Shelagh and her family want to express appreciation for the loving, respectful care and kindness shown to each of us by the staff of the Palliative and Home Care Teams. Thanks to Dr. G. Hutfluss, Dr. A. Jowett and to his nurse Agnes for being there for us. Memorial service is to be held on Tuesday, July 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Thomsons Funeral Chapel, 669 Broadway with Rev. Bev Ward and Rev. Ian Shaw officiating. A reception to follow at Young United Church (Crossways), 222 Furby St. Private interment at Chapel Lawn at a later date. Shelagh was baptized, confirmed and married at Young United Church. She claimed the faithfulness of this congregation during her formative years. This shaped the direction of her whole life. Memorials to Young United Church in lieu of flowers would have pleased her. When you see the first robin in spring; smell a yellow rose; taste a raspberry; or hear the affirming lullaby sung by a Grandma; remember Shelagh and all the good God was able to accomplish through her life, and give thanks.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2004