In Ottawa on August 26. Predeceased by her Mother and Father, M.M. and Jack Hutchison. Loving mother of Blair Leamen (Tanya Carter) and step Grandmother to Reubyn Carter (Emily Berndorf), Stella Carter (Sage Label). Much loved sister of John Hutchison (Sally) and Joan Lenczner (Alan). Adored by her nieces and nephews Andrea Lenczner, Erica Lenczner, Gillian Wells, Elizabeth Hutchison, Mathew Lenczner, Christopher Hutchison.
Sheila was born in Montreal, at 8 she moved to Hudson Quebec for 5 years before moving to Mexico City ‘57-‘59, then Paris France ‘60-‘61. She attended UNB ‘61-‘64 and finished her education at McGill ’64-’65. She taught in Montreal till ‘68, before moving to Toronto to teach. It was there she met her husband and bore her son, before moving to Ottawa in 1974, where she lived the rest of her life.
She loved and was loved by her oft eristic family. She had great friends, a tremendous love for the dogs of her life and the walks they all shared. She was a sublime cook, with a high bright laugh. She was smart, stunning and funny. She loved food, clothes, poetry and the New Yorker. She was complex.
The second half of Sheila’s life was spent negotiating the struggles of mental health. Her final diagnosis was schizophrenia, to which she proved to be intensely treatment resistant. That said she benefited tremendously from the social workers, psychiatric doctors and nurses of the Royal Ottawa. Big love to those who are called to give care and quality of life to those afflicted by mental illness. Your work is the work of angels. You are civilizations champions and to be praised. The Montfort residence also cared for her and treated her with dignity.
A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, Ottawa, Friday, Oct 3rd at 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers please consider giving to info@salusottawa.org.
A loving heart will weigh less than a feather. For all who suffer disease and indignity, ‘there but by grace of God go I’.
Digital Guestbook
Busy & Hugh Dale-Harris
Bryn Morgan
Blair, John, Sally & all the Hutchison family - I was deeply saddened to learn of Sheila's passing. From the earliest days on Victoria Street to less frequent visits of late, her smile of greeting and 'what have you been up to' were always the same; however long it had been between my rather irregular appearances. Please know that we are keeping Blair, family, and friends in our thoughts and prayers as you remember Sheila. Hugs to you all. Bryn
Chris Ray
Many fond memories of Sheila aka Mrs Leaman. I always felt welcome in her presence. Many blessings to her family in this time
Dylan Silverstein
Love you Blair corazon mucho mucho .
Phyllis Hutchison
As Sheila's Scottish cousins we, Roz, Elaine and Phyllis (nee Smith), send our heart-felt condolences to all her family and friends. Although sad that we never met, ties with our Canadian cousins were maintained through our Aunt Dorothy's regular news of Jack, MM and 'the children', a correspondence which was carried on by Roz with MM until her passing. The lovely photo of Sheila in her heyday demonstrates perfectly the quotation - "A picture is worth a thousand words..." We feel your joie de vivre, Sheila, and know you've left behind great memories. Now it's time to rest in peace.
Marion Dector Vega
I had the privilege to know my aunt full of life extremely inteligente she came to Mexico City whitch she loved all ways witty very intelectual and pretty, I met her also in Canada and we spend a lovely afternoon she will be miss lots of live and blessings from Mexico City
Andrea Crosley
Sheila was a caring, open and lively presence in my younger years. She was an incredibly loving and supportive friend to my mother, Michal. I have fond memories of them together, going on walks, and sitting in the garden, drinking wine (often with Marita), laughing, or sometimes crying, together. My thoughts are with you, Blair, and I smile to think of the three friends reunited. They are at peace.
With love,
Andrea
We’re so sorry about Sheila’s demise. As a former director of Ottawa Salus I’m well aware of the difficulties she encountered and take comfort in the fact that she is now at rest. Busy and I send your whole family our sincere sympathies.