With love, sadness, and respect, we announce that Gimiwan, Sheila Ann Carney (née Bob), Elk Clan, of Naongashing First Nation, has begun her journey home.
Sheila, lovingly known as Cuddles, was born on July 23, 1971, to her parents Robert Bob and Pauline Big George. Robert speaks of knowing she would be a girl even before she was born. As the eldest grandchild, Sheila naturally stepped into a role of care and responsibility early in life, always watching over her younger siblings and cousins. That sense of responsibility stayed with Cuddles – she looked out for her family in quiet, steady ways that meant everything.
Sheila was full of life. She loved to laugh, to visit, and to tell jokes. Many would say she carried the same spirit as our Super Granny, a.k.a. Little Bessie – strong, vibrant, and outgoing. Throughout adulthood, Sheila took pride in her fitness and her style. She stayed active, worked hard, enjoyed going out dancing, and had a natural ability to connect with people wherever she went. No matter where she lived – Massey, Marathon, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Rainy River, or back home in Naongashing – she built friendships that lasted.
She graduated from Rainy River High School and went on to become a social worker, a role that reflected her caring nature and strong work ethic. She later earned a degree in psychology, continuing to push herself and grow. One of her greatest sources of pride was being a mother to her one and only son, Mitch, a role she carried with love and strength.
Sheila was also known for her accomplishments beyond the community. She was named first runner-up in the Miss Indian World contest in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was a beautiful and graceful fancy shawl dancer. She loved travelling to pow-wows, often alongside her aunt Annie, sharing in those experiences that connected her deeply to culture and community.
Family was everything to Sheila. As an older cousin, she took her role seriously – checking in on younger relatives when they were away at school, making sure they were fed, and always reminding them they had someone looking out for them. She spent meaningful time visiting with her aunt Verna, who also stood beside Sheila on her wedding day. Sheila shared a special bond with her uncle Roy – they had the same sense of humour. Together, they would put on lighthearted “performances,” with Sheila singing while Roy played the guitar as though it were a real show. The family would watch and laugh, especially since Roy didn’t truly know how to play, making those moments even more memorable.
As a child, while staying with Roy and Jane in Bemidji in the early 1980s, Sheila was outside blowing bubbles when her photo was captured and featured in the Bemidji Pioneer – a small but cherished memory that reflects her beauty and joyful spirit.
Sheila also shared a unique and special bond with her youngest auntie, Abigail, as she was older than her auntie and they grew up together more like sisters than aunt and niece.
Holidays, especially Christmas, were brighter when Sheila came home. As the first grandchild, she was deeply cherished by all her aunts and uncles. She will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and the way she made people feel cared for. She will also always be remembered for her cooking – especially her spaghetti.
Like all of us, Sheila carried both strengths and struggles. Through it all, she continued to move forward, doing her best, and making her family proud. Her life was a reflection of resilience, love, and connection.
Sheila will be greatly missed by her father Robert Bob; her husband Dave Carney; her son Mitch Rundle (Kansas); her children by marriage Chris (CJ) Carney (Cheyenne), Xander Carney, Brittney Carney, and Adrienne Carney; and her sisters Salena Bob and Shantaya Paul. She is also survived by her grandmother Bessie Tom (née Big George); her grandchildren Valentine Dorothy Big George, Clementine Rundle, and Emery Gagnon; her uncles and aunts James Bob, Rosanne Cowley (Jack), Roy (Jane) Tom, Colin Tom, Annie Tom, Verna Aquash (Mark), Ron Tom, Nikki Tom, Naomi Tom (Justin), and Abigail Halverson (Brian); as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was predeceased by her mother Pauline Big George; her brother Clayton (Tate) Bob; her sisters Sachena Bob, Seyla Bob, and Laura Lee Prince; her grandfathers Leonard Green and Moses Tom; and her grandparents Rose and James Bob Sr.
As her family, we take comfort in knowing she will be welcomed home by our loved ones and ancestors, and that she will find peace there.
A wake was held at the Big Grassy Community Hall on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. A traditional service followed on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Sheila will be laid to rest at Old Big Island, beside her mother and brother.
We don’t have the words to fully express the impact Sheila had on each of us. She will be deeply missed, and we wish her well on her journey home.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
