Sheila Manty (Donaldson)

It is with great sadness that the family of Sheila Manty (Donaldson) announces her passing 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 and carried that work ethic, along with a love of gardening, fresh air and simple pleasures with her through to the end. Mom always had a special bond with children which was reflected in her choice to become a teacher. Although she gave up teaching to be a stay-at-home mom when her own children came along, she remembered nearly every student she ever taught. Once her children were all attending school, she started a home day care and provided a fun learning space for many of the neighbourhood kids. But for Mom, teaching had another special meaning because it was while taking on her first classroom in South Gillies, that 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 a great cook, and even a better baker and always had treats stashed away in her cupboards. A visit to Grandma’s always led to a feast of cookies and a game of Scrabble. She was incredibly proud of her family, and especially the accomplishments of her grandchildren who “all turned out to be such great kids”. Left to mourn are her children Don (Shelly) Manty, Heather (Joe) Miller, Ken (Cindy) Manty and grandchildren Zac (Hannah), Samantha (Ben), Jordan, Kari (Ryan) Manty and Kayla and Jason (Alana) Miller. Also her 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 service in Sheila's memory will follow at a later date.

Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com