January 3, 2024

Sheila came from England to Kamloops in 1956 to work as an X-ray technician. She quickly formed friendships and met Ralph at the local ski club. They married in 1958. Verity was born when they lived on Lorne Street, then Chris came along and Dad started to build the house in Rayleigh, where they lived until 2012. Cliff was born on a Christmas Day. Sheila’s mother Catherine died of cancer before Sheila set off for Canada. Her father, Laurence and second wife Marguerite made the journey to Canada to see the young ones. Sheila served the Kamloops area in the X-ray department of the Burris Clinic and the Irving Clinic. Through her work and on the ski hills she met a lot of people who would become lifelong friends. When the children were able to amuse themselves independently, their mother began to volunteer for various organizations in the Kamloops community, with an emphasis on social justice. Some of these were The Voice of Women, Ten Days for World Development and the CanGo Grannies. Sheila’s interests extended to the Kamloops Symphany Orchestra and live theater throughout the city. Sheila and Ralph enjoyed regularly hosting friends for dinners. After retirement, Sheila and Ralph travelled to many places all over the world. In the fishing boat, Mum preferred to read as Ralph threw out a line. She would have several books on the go at a time, always on the hunt for expanded knowledge, and ever curious about the world. Over a period of more than 60 years, Sheila and Ralph supported each other through thick and thin, demonstrating a bond that sustained each of them throughout their marriage. Our cherished mother lived a life that was rich and full, for which we are so grateful.

Sheila was predeceased by; her parents Laurence and Catherine Beckett, aunts Lily, Jean, Nancy and uncle Stan.

Sheila is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ralph Nelson.

Her daughter Verity (Collin) Brink, her sons Chris (Sharon Fraser) Nelson and Cliff (Kathy) Nelson and grandchildren Tyler and Elyse.

Memorial Service for Sheila is arranged for Friday, January 19 at 2 p.m. at the Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul St., Kamloops.

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Nelson family.

• Date : 2024-01-03
• Location : Kamloops