Sheila Maureen McGivney

McGivney, Sheila Maureen, at North York General Hospital, surrounded by her family, as the sun set on Monday, November 21. Sheila was a bright light in the lives of everyone she met, whether that was just in passing, or if she knew you as a student, colleague, friend, or member of the family. She was warm, kind, and generous, with an enormous heart that she shared with everyone. She was a teacher always. At home of course. Then when her kids were all finally off to school in the seventies and eighties, she was a favourite supply teacher at all the area elementary schools in the Toronto Catholic Board - St. Agnes, St. Cyril’s, St. Leonard’s, St. Gerald’s, St. Gabe’s, St. Paschal’s, St. Tim’s, and others. Especially Blessed Trinity, her kids’ school, where she taught each of their classes at various times for one or more days sometimes teaching several of them in a single day, if she was filling in for a French teacher. She also supplied at the local Catholic secondary schools, particularly St. Joseph’s Morrow Park and Loretto Abbey, the school where she, her sister and her daughter attended. She took a permanent position at the Abbey and taught Religious Studies for several years, before becoming Head of Guidance, a position she held until her retirement, missing by just a few years, three of her granddaughters continuing the Abbey family legacy. Sheila was always thoughtful, with an immense sense of social justice, and a strong faith. She was an active and influential member of Blessed Trinity Parish, and challenged the family to be the same and to contribute to the community. This was a community for which she cared deeply, and one she supported faithfully for more than fifty years, as a house league hockey Mom, as Chair of the Parish Council, and through the many years she served as an Extraordinary Minister. In retirement, she loved to travel with her husband, and she had the opportunity to visit so many of the places she dreamed of seeing her whole life. They shared their adventures together, then came back home to share the pictures and memories with the cats and the family. Sheila was so often remembered to us as such a sweet woman, a great teacher, and such a beautiful and caring person. It has been so comforting in the past few days in particular, to have so many people tell us of their fondness for her and to share their warm memories of her - thank you. The family would also like to thank the entire staff of the North York General Hospital Intensive Care Unit, who were so compassionate and professional, and took such extraordinary care of her and of the family on Sheila’s last day. The staff at North York General Hospital throughout Sheila’s illness have been incredible – the doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and support staff. Through her many outpatient visits, and her longer stays, Sheila recognized the heroic efforts of these wonderful people and she often expressed her awe at the work they did for others - we are so grateful that they lent their talents to her care. Sheila’s treatment involved frequent, life-saving blood transfusions. In lieu of flowers, please consider contacting Canadian Blood Services and donating the gift of life in memory of Sheila, or supporting the work they do with a donation, or by volunteering your time. Sheila was a doting Grandma to fifteen grandchildren. She celebrated them any chance she got, always looking forward to hearing about their adventures at the next Christmas or Easter, birthday or anniversary, or any occasion that brought her family together to enjoy each other’s company. Predeceased by her sister Peggy, and her brother Mike, Sheila was a cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and great great aunt. She is survived by her five profoundly grateful children: Kevin and his wife Reenie, and their kids, Abby, Claire, and Erin; Tom and his wife Mary-Lou, and their kids, Sarah, Emmie, and Aidan; Phil and his wife Helen, and their kids, Thomas, John, Michael, and Ryan; Kate and her husband Jason, and their kids, Conor, Jenna, and Brynn; Neil and his wife Janette, and their kids Liam and Sean. Sheila is survived by the love of her life, and her partner in all things, her fiercely devoted and beloved husband of fifty-nine and a half years, John. ‘Goodnight sweetheart, goodnight’…

A visitation for Sheila will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L4J1W3. A memorial service will occur Thursday, December 1 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Blessed Trinity, 3220 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M2M 3R7. A committal service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 2C7.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the McGivney family.