Sheila Joy Young

December 1st, 1927- March 16th, 2021

With great sadness we say goodbye to our Mom, Sheila Joy Young. Mom passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 16th, 2021 in Mission, BC at the age of 93 years, beloved wife of the late William John (Jack) Young.

Mom was a vibrant, active woman and had a good, long life. She was born December 1st, 1927 in Vancouver, BC the fourth child of Irish immigrants. During the Depression her family moved to Copper Mountain, BC where she later graduated from High School. There, Sheila and her siblings enjoyed the opportunities offered by a small community spending many memorable hours outdoors while her parents would always ensure that there was a local celebration on St Patrick’s Day. Following graduation, she obtained a job in the local Mine office and at the News Year Eve Ball of 1945 met her future husband and the love of her life, Jack Young, who was playing drums in the performing band that night. On October 27th, 1950 they were united in marriage at St. Paul’s United Church in Princeton, BC. They spent 68 loving years together living at Copper Mountain, Honeymoon Bay, Surrey and Mission, BC.

Mom was strong, eager to learn new things and took on challenges. Raising her family on a tight budget, she spent countless hours baking, preserving vegetables and canning fruit, and always made sure that there was a fresh tin of homemade cookies in the kitchen cupboard. She learned to drive and coached her daughter’s softball team. Once her children were all in school, she returned to the work force where she enjoyed her career as an Admissions Officer at Kwantlen College until her retirement in 1987.

Following retirement, she and Jack enjoyed traveling, making trips to Ireland, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska as well as spending several winters travelling to Arizona where Sheila learned to play golf. She was an avid Bridge player and a member of the local senior’s Bridge group in Mission. She also enjoyed spending time in her flower garden, playing word games, knitting and sewing gifts for her grandchildren. Her favourite pastime was spending summers at the cabin in Tulameen where she and Jack would visit with family and were members of the nearby Princeton Golf Club for many years.

A kind, loving and generous person, Mom was deeply devoted to her family always finding opportunities to organize family get togethers. She made every celebration memorable and always prepared amazing, delicious meals. Mom was keenly interested in the well being of all her children and grandchildren and immensely proud of us and our accomplishments as we all are of hers. We are grateful for the immense gifts mom gave to us- her enjoyment of life, curiosity of the world, love of fun, games and song, appreciation of nature, and a strong sense of place.

She leaves to cherish her memory four children, Earl (Linda), Jim (Katie), Linda, Lori (Dan), eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brother George Kirby and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kirby and Sue Young, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Luke and Lily (Thompson) Kirby; her husband, Jack; sisters Betty (Jim) Dobie, Nikki (Alex) Chisholm and Patsy, in childhood; brothers Luke (Irene) and Noel Kirby, and granddaughter Jessica Young in infancy.

She will be dearly missed.

Our family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr.’s Gwen Siemens and Rahul Manocha and to all the staff at Carrington House who were so wonderful to mom.

Due to Covid restrictions there will be a private family service and inurnment.