Mrs. Sheila Mary McLaggan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Sheila Mary McLaggan (née Forrest) in Calgary, Alberta, on August 19, 2026, at the age of 98 years. She leaves behind her loving children Gavin (Marlene), Mary Anne Atkinson (Wayne) and John (Jane); her grandchildren Ian, Haley (Paul), Colin (Stephanie), Dale, Tori (Sean), Scott (Alejandra) and Kelsey (Cole); nine great-grandchildren; her first cousin Barry Ritson; niece Janet Wetter and nephew Graham Wetter (Silvana Saccomani); and other cherished extended family in Canada and the UK. Her face always brightened at a visit from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose milestones and mischief brought her endless delight. She was never happier than when surrounded by her growing family. Sheila was predeceased by her beloved husband Bill in 2012, her mother Annie Forrest (née Ritson) and her father Louis Forrest. Her Life Sheila was born on July 23, 1928, in Nanton, Alberta, spending summer holidays at Beacon Ranch south of Fort MacLeod. She attended the University of Alberta, earning a BSc in Household Economics. She had a short career as a District Home Economist — then fate introduced her to Bill while they were both travelling from Calgary to Edmonton on an airplane. Sheila and Bill were married in 1950. Their life together spanned more than 60 joyful years until his passing. They resided in Edmonton, Calgary and Regina, and were delighted when Bill's career brought them back to Calgary to be closer to their mothers. Sheila was a devoted stay-at-home mom for many years. After her family were older she qualified in Education and taught Home Economics in Edmonton and Calgary for 15 years before retiring. Sheila was a lifelong learner. Wherever she lived, she kept her connection to the U of A, happily attending alumni events whenever possible. She treasured her university years, making many lasting friendships. Her Class of '49 group stayed connected meeting at Alumni Weekends and through a class newsletter that Mom eventually edited, lovingly gathering and sharing everyone's news. Together they sponsored a Class of '49 Home Economics scholarship. After retirement, she and Bill travelled to the UK to visit relatives and explored parts of Canada, particularly the Atlantic provinces and Alberta. A Life Remembered Those who knew Mom over the years will remember her in different ways. She attended the United Church all her life, most recently Lakeview United Church after St. Andrews United Church relocated. She looked forward to weekly hair appointments and lunch afterwards. She had an extensive collection of cookbooks. Sheila enjoyed knitting, petit point, quilting and sewing. Genealogy was another passion. She had a keen mind for detail and could recall great amounts of family history on both sides of our family, and of the residents of Nanton. When the opportunity arose to learn more about something she embraced each new interest with enthusiasm. Sheila was also known for her quirky sense of humour — a gift she passed on to her children. Service Details A celebration of life will be held at a later date. At Sheila's request, she has been cremated and will be interred in Burnsland Cemetery, Calgary, in the family plot. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Alberta (see below), the Canadian Red Cross www.redcross.ca, the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/donate-to-the-poppy-fund, or a charity of your choice. The University of Alberta - Memorial donations in honor of our mother, Mrs. Sheila McLaggan, may be made to the Sheila McLaggan Scholarship in Human Nutrition endowment fund at the University of Alberta. Go to uabgive.ca/tribute to make a gift online, or send donations payable to the “University of Alberta” to the Office of the Recording Secretary, 3-501, 10230 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4P6, noting your donation is in memory of Sheila McLaggan. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Mrs. Sheila Mary McLaggan

July 23, 1928 - August 19, 2026