Margaret Sheila Hamilton

Sheila was born to Louis and Dorothy Mulligan in Vancouver, B.C. on September 9, 1928. She was pre-deceased by her mother, father, brother and husband. She is survived by her daughters Patricia (George), Dorothy and her grandchildren David and Kate.

Sheila’s childhood years were spent in Vancouver. She was an avid swimmer and dancer - studying ballet. As a teenager she worked at the Woodwards shoe department during the holidays. Sheila credits that experience as being the beginning of a lifelong love of shoes. Eventually she worked at UBC as a secretary at the campus book store and as an assistant receptionist for a general practitioner in Vancouver. She spoke with great fondness of long beach days with her friends and camping with her family.

Life changed when Sheila met Drummond Hamilton on her 16th birthday. He had just returned from service overseas and the attraction was immediate and mutual. Sheila married the love of her life in 1948. Drummond became a career officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force and Sheila had a distinguished career as a military wife. She taught us all that the true definition of home is family. Sheila traveled around the world with her two daughters.

Relocating at an average of every two and a half years, she created comfortable households that were filled with love and security at each new posting. Sheila relished the title of homemaker: she was an excellent cook and a generous hostess. She was the constant that tied together a nomadic life.

In retirement Sheila and Drummond chose to move to Kelowna. Together, they built a happy new life based on the friends made at that time. Both Sheila and Drummond enjoyed a rich and quiet life in Kelowna that included tennis, fishing and exploring wineries. They happily shared the gifts of their new home during visits from friends and family. After a lifetime of travel, they never regretted their choice of Kelowna as a home.

Sheila and her daughters extend their greatest thanks to Dr. Whiting and Mel Shannon for their extended care and attention. Sheila would like to recognize her family-like relations with Lakeside Pharmacy. Sheila would also like to express her gratitude for the help and friendship of Mike Kadar and Linda Burbidge. Their kindness helped Sheila remain in her home until her last days.

At Sheila's request there will be no funeral or memorial service. Her ashes will be interred next to her sweetheart at the Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Rather than sending flowers please consider donations in Sheila’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Sheila had a clear idea of how she wants to be remembered and honored: she enjoyed choosing the content of her obituary. Patricia and Dorothy would like to end it with these words:

“Nothing about the past losses I have experienced prepared me for the loss of my mother. Even knowing that she would die did not prepare me in the least. A mother, after all, is your entry into the world. She is the shell in which you divide and become a life. Waking up in a world without her is like waking up in a world without sky: unimaginable.”

Meghan O'Rourke

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299