Obituary of Sheila Donner
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Sheila Donner, which occurred on January 31, 2021 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Sheila leaves behind her fur babies Artemis, Athena, Aphrodite and hundreds of friends she considered family. Shelia was a big-sister and mama-bear to many people. She was extremely honest and to the point – she was always direct if even you didn’t want to hear the truth but needed to.
Shelia had a huge heart. Sheila gave far, far more to the world than she ever took or asked for. If you needed her, she would be there – her presence a guarantee in your loneliest of moments. She cared for all living things. No life was beneath being saved; no life was so meaningless it could not be rescued. She would have travelled to the far ends of the planet to save an animal in need.
Shelia was the freest of spirits who loved anything and everything to do with the army. She lived the life of an unofficial Army brat and wore her fatigues and gear proudly.
Sheila had a love for motorcycles and the freedom they represented. Being out on the bike in the countryside or sitting with her dog Artemis in their favorite spot, Sheila loved to be outside and part of the natural world. Many may not know, but some do, that Sheila spent the past 20 years volunteering for various community organizations that benefited both people and animals.
She worked with Outflow Suppers, Ed Doherty's Office, Avenue B Fresh Start, and was the official dog walker for the Elizabeth Fry Centre.
Sheila touched many lives and many of those people became her close friends. She was also a mother, mentor, and friend for hundreds of people who knew her kindness, her sternness, and her friendship when it was needed. The streets of Saint John will be a little darker without her light.
Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Due to current restrictions, visitors are required to register a time slot to come in for visitation and are asked to call Brenan’s to do so. A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 12:00 PM. The funeral will be live-streamed for those not in attendance. Donations in Sheila’s memory may be made to the Elizabeth Fry Centre.
