June 17, 1956 – April 18, 2026
It’s really hard to find the right words to explain how much pain and sorrow we’re feeling. Losing such a wonderful wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend just breaks our hearts in ways we can’t describe.
She was truly one of those rare people-kind-hearted and full of light. Saying she could brighten up a room doesn’t even cover it. She was always the one who brought everyone together-family, friends, anyone she loved. She was the warmth and love at the center of everything. The love she shared so openly was something you felt as soon as you were near her. She had this way of making everyone feel special and cared for. Always putting others first before herself.
Sheila deserved pages upon pages written about how she made people feel because no words or tears will ever be enough to capture what she meant to us.
Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, she later settled in Thunder Bay where she created a life full of love and close connections.
She shared an incredibly strong bond with her partner Herb Sanderson. Their love was clear to see-they stood side by side through happy times and also during her tough fight with breast cancer. We thought she’d beaten it once but sadly it came back stronger than expected.
She found joy in simple things – traveling, trips to Vegas, and road trips with Herb visiting family across the U. S.
Sheila loved chatting with just about anyone-and honestly could talk to anyone anywhere. Whether a stranger or someone she’d just met briefly; she’d strike up a chat that made you feel like part of her world by the end. She adored collecting little knick-knacks and treasured time spent with her grandkids doing all sorts of activities & creating memories together. Her baking passion led her to start Nana’s Nummies-selling treats at markets and spreading smiles far and wide.
She leaves behind her devoted husband Herb Sanderson; daughters Deisha and Dana (Dante); grandchildren Nakita, Nolan (Maegan), Ava, Carla, Jaymz; great-grandchildren Ava, Seth, Matty, Daniella, Isla, August; plus her mom Betty along with brother, sister, aunts uncles, in-laws, and close friends. She was predeceased by her father.
We want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all nurses , PSWs & student nurses at TBRHSC & St Joe’s floor 4 who helped make her stay bearable. They managed to bring smiles even when things hurt badly.
Honestly, we believe catching it earlier might have helped. She had multiple ER visits while in remission with severe pain, but symptoms weren’t fully caught or were misdiagnosed. We share this hoping folks will stand up for their loved ones, truly trust instincts, and keep pushing when something feels off.
A celebration of life will happen later on both here in Thunder Bay and back home in Minnesota.
She will always be loved dearly, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.
Condolences may be sent through www. nwfainc. com
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