Sheila Ruth Farncombe
June 18, 1946 - December 6, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sheila Ruth Farncombe. Sheila died peacefully in the presence of close family members on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. Sheila was our dear mother, she was a wife, she was a sister, she was a pioneer and a champion for the underdog, and she was a friend to so many. She will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
Sheila was born in New Brunswick in 1946 to Newton and Beulah Garland and subsequently raised in Ontario, where she earned her Registered Nurse designation. She got married and decided to settle in Medicine Hat, Alberta with her husband, George, in the early 1970s. Along for the ride were their two young sons, Todd (aged three) and Troy (one-year-old). There, Sheila joined the local paramedic team, becoming their first female paramedic in the province – paving the way for greater equality and representation in the workplace.
Over the next 40 years, Sheila held a number of nursing and managerial positions in the healthcare sector in Southern Alberta, specializing in geriatric care, where she dedicated her life to helping others in need, retiring from the profession she loved in 2011. Sheila lived her retirement years in London, Ontario where she developed some wonderful friendships and was closer to family.
Sheila’s greatest pride was her two sons and she always lit up when she talked about what a great job she’d done raising them. We couldn’t agree more “Mum”. We’ll miss you very much.
Further details about a Celebration of Life ceremony will be communicated to friends and family members in the coming days.
We thank everyone for keeping Sheila in your thoughts and prayers over the past months and for those who had the opportunity to spend time with her in her final days.
We’d like to specifically thank the Palliative Care Team at the Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario, for their exceptional care over the past few weeks and we have nothing but accolades for every member of your team. You are an exceptional group of nurses and PSWs. Thank you for everything you do.
We’d kindly ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Palliative Care Program through St. Joseph’s Healthcare London in her honour.
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What a journey these past few years have been! Sheila and I spoke several times a year to stay caught up and current with her situation. This past year I've done most of the calling. Sheila called me in mid Oct. We both knew she was saying goodbye. I'll miss her calls. Please send info on the Celebration of Life. Hugs
It is with great sadness that we hear of Sheila's passing. We have know her the many years she spent here in Medicine Hat and have many wonderful memories , here, in Calgary and London. She is missed. Our condolences to Todd & Troy. Jan & Don Martin
Will , we were sorry to learn of Sheila’s passing . We always enjoyed a good laugh at bowling.
A donation has been made to Canadian Cancer Society. Message from the donator: May you find solace in knowing your Mom’s difficult journey has taken her to a place of peace . Much Love David &Peggy
Will and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on Sheila's passing. She will always be as close as a memory.
We were so sorry to hear of Sheila’s passing . She was a special person , kind , thoughtful and courageous. Her patients loved her . She was a wonderful nurse. We had many fun get together at Sheila and George’s. Our condolences to all of the family.
It is with great sadness that i read Sheila's obit in the Calgary Herald. She was a fine lady and a good friend. I met her when she asked me to paint her house and we became friends. George was a little standoffish at first but we became good friends. I still have his picture on my office wall. My heart goes out to Todd and Troy. I'll always remember your parents with great fondness. Kim
Todd and Troy We were so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. We have many fond memories of the good times we had with your Mom and Dad. Both of them passed too early and we know you miss them dearly. Again, our sincere condolences. Mike and Peggy
Sheila was a valued neighbour and friend - always warm and welcoming, with a beautiful smile. So grateful to have known her! Deepest condolences to all her loved ones.
I have only known Sheila since 2017 when we moved to Westwood Village in London. I enjoyed our chats to the point I would watch for her as she passed by our house on her regular walks. She was always cheerful and had so much energy. Sending condolences to her sons and Will who was an amazing support to Sheila during her illness.
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I just learned of Sheila’s passing yesterday from a fellow nursing class student, the class of ‘69 at BGH. We kept in touch out here. I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful person. Linda
~ Linda Yeandle