Obituary of Sheila Staples

On June 11, 2020, Sheila Staples, wife, mother, daughter, and sister, passed away at the age of 73. Sheila will be forever remembered by her best friend and husband of nearly 50 years Bill Staples, by her two children Jill Scaplen and Kent (Rochelle) Staples, by her grandsons Aidan Scaplen and William Staples, by her brother and sisters Ron (Marlene) Pond, Eleanor (Kevin) Curtis, and Elaine Pond, and by her brother-in-law The Rev. Canon David Staples. Sheila will also be forever remembered by her extended family, here in Canada and across the pond, and by dear friends. Sheila loved her family. She was predeceased by her parents Reginald Pond (d.2015) and Alexina "Ina" Pond (d.1999), whom she adored. She and her brother spent a portion of their childhood in Scotland, which gave her a passion for her mother’s Scottish heritage and a kinship with extended family she did not often have the opportunity to see in person as the years passed, but with whom she always remained close. She would often enjoy long phone calls with her cousin Russell (Doreen) Reid and thought fondly and often of Scotland and her memories overseas. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother, who wanted nothing more than two children - one girl and one boy - and that’s precisely what she got. She loved spending time with her husband and children, whether it was on a vacation or a Sunday drive. Experiences were important to her and she wanted her children to have everything she didn’t have and more. Her family was her world and she loved her husband and children fiercely. Sheila also had many wonderful friends who shared a lifetime of memories with her. She grew up with a group of women affectionately known as the "Douglas Girls", and she kept in touch with them throughout her lifetime. They were a supportive and fun bunch and Sheila loved them dearly. She developed a long and lasting friendship with Vivian Wilcox, a friend and neighbour, with whom she shared many adventures – be they on a trip to Bermuda, digging up a garden together or on long walks. Sheila loved Vivian like a sister and they shared many heartfelt conversations and happy memories. Sheila, like many in her family before her, was an accomplished artist, a creative thinker and a lover of nature. She belonged to the TURPS Art Club for many years and delighted in drawing or painting for most of her life. She loved nothing more than when she saw those talents blossom in her children and grandchildren. Her creativity was also showcased by her passion for holiday decorating – Christmas and Halloween were a feast for the eyes in her mind and everyone who knew her relished in it. Sheila loved to garden. She loved being outside in the sunshine and to feel a warm, fresh breeze on her face. She loved to drive to the coast and be near the water. She loved to feel free and untethered. Thankfully, she is now released from her broken body and mind and is alive - fully cognizant and free of Alzheimer’s disease - and resting in beautiful peace. A celebration of Sheila’s life will take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Sheila may be made to the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick or to a charity of the donor’s choice.