Sheila Rowland

Sheila Catherine Rowland
September 4, 1938 - October 3, 2016

Sheila Catherine Rowland passed peacefully with her beloved daughter by her side on October 3, 2016. Strong, courageous, powerful, proud, Sheila was an extraordinary woman who lived a remarkable life and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Sheila was highly respected as an educator, advocate, philanthropist, comedian, dancer, music lover, gardener extraordinaire, and hellraiser.

As a confident, smart, self-assured woman, Sheila lived her life on her own terms. She knew who she was and liked who she was. She loved dark rum, great jazz, dancing until the sun came up and men who could keep up with her. Her beautiful dark eyes and confident carriage were always remembered by anyone she met.

Sheila was a great driver, but a fast one. She delighted in being taught to drive by a professional stock car racer and refused to ever own a vehicle that didn't contain a V8 engine. She had a lifelong love affair with four letter words, or truth be told any colourful word would do. Later in life, as her communication became impacted, she learned to sign all of her favourite curse words and took great pleasure in teaching everyone else the fine art of "blue" language.

Her career as an educator began when she was 18 years old, first as a teacher until she retired from Algonquin College as the Director of Student Services. She was driven by learning, open discussions, debates on social reform and a passion to see women obtain the highest level of education possible.

Her dedication to the advancement of women's rights extended well beyond the classroom, and she could be found advocating for access to choice, financial independence, affordable housing, campus security reform and keeping women facing homelessness well-stocked with clean clothing and sanitary products.

Sheila was not known for her time spent in the kitchen, but her infamous baked bean recipe kept people begging to know her secret - purchase one of every can of beans at the grocery store, put them in a Crock-Pot, add Worcestershire sauce, pour yourself a drink and serve.

But, of all of the many accomplishments and awards that Sheila received in her life, her greatest pride was her role as a mother. She dedicated herself to motherhood with a depth of love that she was admired for, especially by her only child, Jan. Together, they shared 41 years of adventures, theatre excursions, road trips and winters spent with their toes in the sand of the beaches in Barbados. They shared an endless bond as mother and daughter.

Those who knew and loved Sheila will take her teachings to heart: Be truthful when pulled over for speeding and always tell the officer you were actually going faster before he caught you. That dessert is best eaten before your dinner or at any other time of the day. To never look down on someone who is struggling, because we are all one pay cheque away from that being our reality. And, to remember that there is only one way to approach life – with your head up, shoulders back and knockers out.

Sheila is survived by the people she enjoyed bragging about to anyone who would listen: her daughter Jan Elizabeth Ditchfield (husband Mike Gaudet); sister-in-law Ingrid Rowland and niece Stephanie Rowland (husband Doug Panton and children Gregory and Sophie); her smug cat Chantilly, her partners in crime Merlyn, Judy, Lyn and Doris, many cousins, friends and extended family who will all miss her spunky approach to life.

She is reunited with her husband John Ditchfield, brother Wayne Rowland, nephews Mark and Lars Rowland and mother and father, Jean and Harry Rowland, whom she has already put to work helping her to expand the gardens in the great beyond.

Friends and family may pay their respects on October 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Westboro Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes (403 Richmond Road, Ottawa). Sheila's celebration of life will also be held at the Westboro Chapel on October 15th at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception and a toast to a life well lived.

Donations in her memory can be made to Sheila's House, a non profit organization that Sheila established before her passing to assist women and single mothers facing unemployment, domestic abuse or loss of permanent housing to begin again with dignity.