Tammivaara, Sheila Doris (nee Blaikie)

In her 88th year, Sheila Doris Blaikie passed away suddenly, surrounded by her family at Vancouver General Hospital on February 15th, 2025.  Sheila was predeceased by her parents, Archie and Doris Blaikie and by her sister Shirley Ribout.  She is survived by her four children, Pam (Shaun), Sheri (Dino), Trent, Renee and her grandchildren, Jessi (Leah), Dustin (Aika), Jenna (Peter), Cody (Fran), Kori (Allison), Kyle (Stacey) and by six great-grandchildren, Hunter, Bella, Oliver, Emi, MacKenzie and Kai.

Sheila was an amazing single parent who was very proud of her entire family. Early in our lives we, her children, began to realize the enormity of her sacrifice, commitment and contribution.  Her adventurous spirit took us on a multitude of adventures.  Mom excelled at keeping in touch with her many friends.  She loved giving gifts, had a great sense of humour and loved to share a story.

Growing up in Transcona (Winnipeg), she was surrounded by her extended Blaikie family. This was an association she held close to her heart for her entire life. A true Blaikie, she was ever so proud to be active in the union movement. When she was very young her family moved to New Westminster. From there, CN Rail transferred the family to McBride, BC. There she completed high school. Loved by all her peers, she maintained a lifelong connection with schoolmates often returning for McBride Reunions.

It was in McBride, at 18 years of age, that our mom decided to pursue a career in Nursing. That decision changed everything! In 1956 she began three years in residency and graduated from the nursing training program at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver in 1959. A few years later, she took some time away from nursing to raise her four children.

She was a key member of a group of dedicated nurses who, over six years (1974-1980) developed and implemented the BC Nurses Union. Sheila bravely stood up and spoke out thereby setting an example for later generations of nurses who have appreciated standing on her broad shoulders. Sheila and her peers showed that it is possible to be both a professional and a unionist. She remained a proud member of the BCNU. We are so incredibly proud of our mom.

Celebration of Life, Sunday March 9th at 11:30am. Lochdale Community Hall , 490 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby.  A reception will follow at the same location.