It is with great sadness that the family of Sheila Manty (Donaldson) announces her passing at age 87 after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.
Mom, Grandma, Nana, Auntie and Friend as she was known to loved ones was born in 1937 and grew up on the still standing Donaldson Family Homestead in Burriss. As a child, she loved the farm life (except for the nasty gander) and carried that work ethic, along with a love of gardening, fresh air and simple pleasures with her throughout her life. Mom always had a special bond with children, which was reflected in her choice to become a teacher. Although she retired from the classroom when her own children came along, she never stopped teaching. Whether it was imparting life skills on her family, running a home daycare, or correcting grammar and spelling at every opportunity, she remained a true teacher right until the end.
While taking on her first classroom in South Gillies, a blind date with a “tall, dark and handsome man with great dance moves” started what would become a lifelong romance. Together Mom and Dad danced in nearly every community hall in Northwestern Ontario. Those were happy times, but for Mom her greatest pleasure was having the entire family together for holidays and special occasions. She was incredibly proud of her family, and especially the accomplishments of her grandchildren who “all turned out to be such great kids.” She kept every newspaper clipping and bragged about us to anyone who’d listen. But her love wasn’t just for family — she welcomed our friends and partners, and loved and bragged about them too. Her door was always open, and stepping inside was like a warm hug.
For the grandkids, there was always something to do: gardening, baking (and eating the baking), knitting, crafts (many still proudly displayed in her home), chores she somehow made fun, board games (especially Scrabble), raiding the dress up closet and sometimes staying up late for a snack and Grand Ole Opry. Although small in stature, she had incredible strength and “Sisu.” As her eyesight declined, she never gave up on what she loved. Whether it was watching curling, Steve Harvey, or The Bachelorette, daily crosswords, baking our favourite treats, reading — she made it work. She’d pull out her magnifying glass, take breaks, and get it done. She was a kind and gentle soul who always tried to see the good in people and tough situations and encouraged others to do the same.
Mom passed away on July 18th — the same day Dad passed, decades earlier. That day was always hard for her. We like to think that this year, he came to take her hand and said, “It’s okay now — the family will be alright. I’ve been waiting to dance with you again.” Dance freely – We love you.
Left to mourn are her children and grandchildren Don (Shelly) Jordan and Kari (Ryan) Manty, Heather (Joe) Kayla and Jason (Alana) Miller, Ken (Cindy) Zac (Hannah) and Samantha (Ben) Manty; sister Crete; and numerous nieces and nephews who were very special to her. She was predeceased by husband Glenn; her parents; and brothers Gale and Lyle.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 11, at 11 a.m., at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, where she was a long-time member.
If you choose, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
