Sr. Sheila Patricia Smith, IBVM

Sheila Patricia Smith, the sixth daughter and tenth of twelve children born to Vincent Patrick Smith, Toronto, and Julia O’Sullivan, County Kerry, Ireland, was born in Toronto on November 5, 1933. She had eleven siblings: Eileen (Ernie Shaw), Winnifred (Harry Sullivan), Kathleen (James Higton), Helen, Walter (Eunice/Pat Taylor; his second wife was Dorothy), Cornelius–called Connie (Betty Jones), Terrence (Joan), Mary (Leslie McCormick), Lawrence, David (Donna) and (Gerald) James (Jackie). Her brother Connie is her only surviving sibling (as of 2023 at the age of 97).

She attended Loretto College School and Loretto Secretarial College and worked for four years at the CNR Express Claims Department. She entered the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8, 1957, and was given the Religious name, Sister St. Terrence. During her time in the Novitiate, she took some Grade 13 Courses at the Abbey. Her first “teaching” assignment from 1959-1960 was an hour each day at Loretto Abbey Junior School as well as presiding duties. In 1960, she and her group were the first to experience the new Loretto Juniorate. After finishing her degree and attending the Ontario College of Education, she was assigned to teach English and Typing at Loretto Academy, Hamilton. She returned to Toronto and the Loretto Secretarial Department for one year and then Loretto College School until 1980 when she had a stroke. In 1981, she was appointed General Secretary and maintained that position until 1991. She returned to Loretto College School and from 1991-1992 with a special assignment from the Canadian Regional Government to update records while living at Loretto College School. The following year she was given a Sabbatical. She spent 1993 updating Institute files and spent her remaining years writing the two accounts required for our deceased members and helping in various areas such as the Sacristy and Committee Work, as well as the 150th Anniversary Celebration in North America; special requests and assignments from the Regional Government, the General Council and Local Leadership. She also did some secretarial work for the Local Community. She represented the Community by attending Parent Teacher Meetings and Alumnae Meetings.

She remained at Loretto Abbey until the Sisters moved to Presentation Manor in November 2018. Sheila had several passions (besides her family and community) working on jigsaw puzzles, breaking into song at the drop of a hat and staying in touch with IBVM and CJ sisters around the globe.

She will be sadly missed by her family, sisters in community, former pupils and friends.

Friends may call at Presentation Manor Chapel, 61 Fairfax Cres. on Thursday, March 16th, 2023 from 11:00 am. Funeral Liturgy is at 11:30 followed by light refreshments.

Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.