Sheila Park

Sheila was born on May 28, 1948, in Colne, Lancashire, England. At age four, her family — father, mother, and sister — immigrated to Canada. Her father, an engineer with the Canadian Air Force, moved the family across the country, from east to west throughout her childhood.

Sheila graduated from the Sydney Academy on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and earned a teaching degree in Home Economics from the University of Manitoba. Her teaching career began in Fraser Lake, BC, but she found her true calling in kindergarten education in Kamloops, BC — a community that became her home for the next 50 years.

In 1973, Sheila began teaching kindergarten at Arthur Hatton Elementary. Her career took her to Beattie Elementary, George Hillard Elementary, and David Thompson Elementary. Her passion for education led her to work in special education and a desire to pursue a PhD in the field. In 1995, she moved to Vancouver to focus full-time on her PhD studies, but her education was suddenly interrupted when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Sheila faced this challenge with courage, dedicating time and resources to supporting the MS Society.

Sheila was also a committed social justice activist, spending many of her days fighting for issues she was passionate about. She played a crucial role in the Friends of Riverside, working endlessly and successfully to prevent a development that would harm the park’s beauty. She was actively involved with the Kamloops Heritage Society and the Square at Saint Andrews, often seen setting up tables of goodies for donations. She even extended her efforts beyond her community by volunteering over the years with Emergency Social Services, where she supported residents throughout BC in securing temporary housing as wildfire issues increasingly burdened the province.

Politically engaged, she was a vocal advocate within the Kamloops Teachers’ Association, lending her voice to many concerns. From 1980 to 1983, Sheila served as president, and knowingly became the go-to person for any teacher concerns. In addition, as a member of the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF), she was the person to contact if you had any questions, “Go ask Sheila Park!” was a commonly heard expression. Even after retirement, Sheila stayed connected with the BCTF as a member of the Retired Teachers’ Association.

Sheila was also a lifelong supporter of the NDP, backing many candidates and causes over the years. Her strong leadership led to many roles, including serving as strata president at her own residence, Manor House, and contributing to the Kamloops Heritage Society, Kamloops Antique Club, and Heart and Stroke Foundation. The list goes on and on — if you had a concern or a cause, she was the person to call. She would let you begin your story and then promptly interrupt you with, “Stop right there. Go get a pen and paper!” you knew right then you had her full attention and things were going to be alright.

Sheila had a deep passion for travel, often embarking on adventures with her closest friends. Whether exploring distant corners of the country or cruising around the globe, Sheila loved to share her experiences. She delighted in reminiscing about her travels with everyone around her. If you were planning a trip, Sheila was your go-to source for travel recommendations, safety tips, and, of course, must-try foods from around the world. Her insights and enthusiasm made her a cherished guide for all things travel-related.

More than traveling, Sheila loved her friends and family members wholeheartedly, never missing an opportunity to show her admiration and support. If you were fortunate enough to know her, you were probably on her gift list. She was known to always have something for everyone — even brand-new members to her inner (and outer) circle. Sheila was also known to crochet baby blankets for any new little one that came into her bubble; in fact, donating many to the Royal Inland Hospital for new babies so they were warm and cozy upon arrival into the world.

Sheila leaves behind her niece Leslie Smale (Dean Smale), nephew Dave Park (Cara), great-nieces Kimberly Park (Brendan) and Kelsie Smale (Earl), great-nephew Keenan Rose (Kaitlin Rose), treasured great-nephews Nash and Chet Rose and many other relatives across Canada and England that were dear to her. She loved them all dearly, as they did their Aunty Sheila. Sheila is predeceased by her father, Francis John Park, mother Jean Park, and sister Susan Park.

Sheila’s final days were surrounded by friends and family who visited her in the hospital, sharing stories, love, and respect. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of kindness and activism will continue to inspire those who knew her.

A celebration of life for Sheila Park will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024 from 1-3 pm at Delta Hotels by Marriott, 540 Victoria St, Kamloops. Please join us for tea and treats.