Sheila Plunkett

Sheila Fraser Plunkett

(nee McKenzie)

It is with great sadness to announce that Sheila passed away with her family by her side on July 7, 2011, at the Portage District General Hospital after suffering from a courageous battle with cancer. She was 63 years old. Sheila will be greatly missed by her husband Gordon, son Scott (Jennifer Girard), daughter Kelly (Ronald Connor), son Ryan (Littideth Thongphanith ), beloved grandson Daynan, mother Jean McKenzie, and numerous relatives in Scotland and Canada.

Sheila was predeceased by her father James McKenzie, sister Moira Coutts and brother-in-law James Coutts, all of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sheila was born and raised in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, Scotland. She worked for the Scottish Department of Education as an Executive Officer until she met and married Gordon on June 24, 1977, at Carrick Knowe Kirk in Edinburgh. Following the wedding they took up residence in Boissevain, Manitoba where they worked and started their family.

In 1984, Sheila and Gordon moved to Portage la Prairie. Scott, Kelly and Ryan received their education in Portage la Prairie and went on to university and other educational institutions. Sheila was always so proud of her family's achievements and always encouraged them to get a great education.

For many years Sheila had worked in various positions in the Portage School Division. She worked at the Operations Department, LaVerendrye School, Ecole Prince Charles School, Portage Collegiate and lastly at Ecole Arthur Meighen School as Administrative Assistant. Sheila loved her work and was extremely organized and efficient at whatever task was in front of her. She enjoyed the interaction with staff and students.

Sheila was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi (Perceptor Branch) and over the years made some wonderful and lasting friendships with her sisters. A few years ago, she also joined the Portage Lioness Club and really enjoyed the camaraderie of the ladies in that group.

Her greatest interest was her family and in taking care of them. She had a wonderful sense of humour and a quick wit. Sheila had very high principles and often took great care to express them. Everyone respected her characteristics of honesty and forthright opinions.

Both Sheila and Gordon loved to travel extensively. This prominently showed in their many trips to Scotland to visit family and friends.

Sheila liked to play cards, shop, chat with friends and family, watch her favourite TV shows, read books, and occasionally knit. She also thoroughly enjoyed attending many concerts and plays. She especially loved and cared for the family cats.

There will be a celebration of Sheila's life at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street S, Portage la Prairie on July 13, 2011, at 1:00 PM followed by a reception in the auditorium of the church.

Donations may be made to the Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318, Saskatchewan Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 - coccs@centralplainscancercare.com

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com