Peacefully after a very long and hard fought battle with Chronic Leukemia. Predeceased by parents Elsie and John Earl Fraser, brothers Lynn and George, sister Anne, and husband Keith Phillips.
Sheila was an April Fool's baby, born in Duncan and moved to Goward Road, Royal Oak at age 5. Youngest of 4, she later helped her Dad and George build first the log home and then the Fraser home, which are both still in the family today.
Sheila took classes at Sprott Shaw College, and was proud to work at the Victoria & Island Publicity Bureau, before marrying her high school sweetheart Keith Phillips in 1956. Together they purchased an acre of land for $1200 on Del Monte Ave, and built the Phillips family home. Daughter Cheryl, sons Wayne and Walt were born during this time.
Family meant everything to Mom, and it was her greatest passion. We were so lucky to be her kids, as she was the ultimate Mom. She was a true homemaker, baking cookies and birthday cakes, making great family meals out of nothing, sewing clothes, and even doll dresses for Cheryl. Mom taught us so much about ourselves, to be proud who we are, how to be kind to one another, and "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"
Mom and Dad joined the Cordova Bay Association, and were involved as coaches and scorekeepers for Wayne and Walt's softball and soccer games. They also made sure that we had the best summer camping holidays, liked Saturday night dances and gave great New Year's Eve parties. After Dad's tragic accident, Mom worked tirelessly to help Dad recover. After he was admitted to Extended Care at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Mom faithfully showed up every evening at dinner, until his passing in late 1995.
On a Seniors Bus Trip to Reno, Mom met Alex Johnson of Ladysmith. Over the next 23+ years together, they bought a 5th wheel and house in Central Saanich. Holidays included camping, a whirlwind trip overseas, BC Senior Summer Games, and many trips to Maui. Mom had a green thumb and was also passionate about her flower gardens, working constantly to keep them colourful and weed free. As the years went on, Mom had great love and pride in her grandchildren, and continued to be very involved in their lives.
Left behind to miss her terribly and love her more everyday are Cheryl (Ken) Dash, Wayne (Andrea) Phillips, Walt (Jackie) Phillips, grandchildren Brandi, Taylor, Parker, Connor, and Rylee, and partner Alex Johnson.
Mom loved to say "You only run this circuit once" and Mom you ran this circuit with more love, kindness, and determination than anyone we know. Mom until we meet again on the next circuit, Love You to the Moon and Back!
Mom requested a private family celebration of life.
As much as Mom loved them, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sheila's favourite charity Saanich Pennisula Hospital Foundation, 2166 Mt Newton X Rd, Saanichton BC V8M 2B2, or love and hug your family, or pay forward an act of kindness to someone who needs it.