Sheila happened to be born at home in Ottawa on April 19, 1926, third daughter of Nora and Maurice Gauvreau. She had two older siblings Maureen and Robert and she died at Victoria Hospice on September 14, 2020. As a child, she travelled across Canada from Victoria to Quebec City, to Halifax, and back and forth across to England many times. She attended catholic boarding schools and day schools in Canada and England. Her life of travel broadened her worldview and education.
During her youth, she often sang on the radio (“The Way You Look Tonight”) and for visitors to the schools. Sheila was raised in a navel family. Her Father Maurice was a cadet in WW1 and a Captain in WW2, brother Bobby
was an officer in the Navy and Sheila was a Wren. Her Mother Nora, a multi-talented woman was an inspiration for Sheila! As a teenager, she was living at the Chateau Frontenac and met many dignitaries during the Quebec Conference. She travelled as a young adult to Europe with her parents, embarking on their round the world trip, however, this was cut short when her Mother became ill with heart disease. After being a Wren, Mom was able to retrain and follow her passion of acting and 
singing. She attended The Toronto Academy of Dramatic Arts with Lorne Greene and Lister Sinclair. Some of her classmates included Leslie Nielsen and et al. She received a Scholarship to attend the Pasadena Playhouse in California. Sheila met Donald Fraser in Victoria who was in the Merchant Marine, Navy, Hydrographic Boats and latterly B.C. Ferries. Donald was mate and Captain on the Long Harbour route sailing on the Queen of the Islands, Queen Of Victoria and retired in Victoria. Retirement was bumpy as Dad was on
Kidney dialysis, which curtailed their retirement plans. They were married for 46 years. Living in Victoria and Saltspring Island she was involved with community theatre acting 
in many plays such as “Waiting For Godot”, “The Bald Soprano”, “The Sand Box”, and “Plaza Suite”. She had many supporters and won awards. She had a strong interest in justice issues, youth, learning and was a trustee on the Gulf Islands School Board for many years. She volunteered with the Legion as a younger woman and after retirement, senior peer counselling. Mom was an
eclectic lover of music, both classical and popular, lover of dancing, a lover of her books – mysteries, psychological, metaphysical, spiritual, and poetry. She watched PBS and KCTS
programming and Jeopardy. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, scrabble, video games, and crib, all played with a competitive edge. They had dogs which they enjoyed walking. Sheila adored her family and her two girls Cathy, Heather and son in law Slav. As a Mom and housewife, there were many wonderful conversations, ideas and experiences at the dinner table. We admired her courage, compassion, kindness, sense of humour and quick wit. She was a patient listener. Sheila enjoyed her time at home, and thank you to all the helpers who made it possible: Dr Ted Rosenberg and Home Team Medical; Home Support: Beacon/ VIHA, (especially Linda); Homecare Nurses Dana and Maria; Victoria Hospice Staff”; Peggy, hospice volunteer and Nancy from Saanich Volunteers; and others on her journey. We love you dearly and you will be deeply missed by family and friends.
A small service will be held at the gravesite 
Royal Oak Burial Park, Section Q on Tuesday, October 13, at 1 pm. Invitation to her home outside after service. Please bring a chair, mug, umbrella. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice, Salvation Army or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Your spark will be forever in our hearts. She would always say and remind us, “It was all about Love, Keep the Love, Love is the answer”.
Family Tree
Sheila Fraser (Gauvreau)
Daughter of Maurice Gauvreau & Nora MacHugh
Third Child
Siblings Maureen MacLeod, Robert Gauvreau,
Married Donald Fraser
Mother of Catherine Fraser & Heather Fraser Stasiuk (Slav)
Granddaughters, Elise Heard (David) (Great Grand
children) Colton & Samara, Leanne Stasiuk,
Auntie to numerous nieces & nephews:
Nora Grove (Maggie), Richard MacLeod, Jeanne Berryman,
Christopher MacLeod (Kathy), Colette MacLeod,
(Barry), Brian Gauvreau (Connie), Tony Gauvreau &
great-nieces & nephews: David Paul Grove, Haley
Barker, Rachael, Collette Berryman, Cam & Megan
MacLeod.
Relatives in Australia, Joan Smith (Richard), England,
Scotland, South Africa, U.S.A.
Iain Fraser, Christine & Robin MacLaren, Sandra Mallard,
David Mactavish, Tina Mactavish
Close Friends
Wendy Smith, Victoria, B.C. Dorothy West, Halifax, NS,
Baruna Bhattacharjee, India, John Higginbotham,
Monna Huscroft, Jean Morgan & Dan Thachuk, Arlene &
Martin Anderson, Nora Grove & Maggie Sherlock, Judy
Fries, Katlyn Pharis, Peggy Frank, Mary Ann Deacon,
Nancy Deas, Bea Ellis, Christine, Suzy Harrison,
Roman, Joyce & Paul Brunwald, Louise, Nancy,
Philomena Broughton
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lynda J. Boyd
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Terry Harrison Dear Cathy; Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. We know how devoted you were to your
mother and how lovingly you cared for her during her failing health.
Please share our condolences with your sister and her husband.
We send our deepest sympathy.
Thank you for the beautifully-written tribute which allowed us a glimpse of her
wonderfully-lived life. with much sympathy from
Terry Harrison and your fellow artists in the Visions Art Tour Society
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Brittany (Chw) Sad to hear that this beautiful women has passed ❤️
The short time I new her she always made me laugh, she was spunky and such an amazing soul. My condolences to her daughters who I had the pleasure of meeting and to the rest of her family.
Rest easy Sheila
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Betty Credit Dear Catherine,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Your mother was very welcoming to Dick and I when we met. She was a light in the world, and like Dick, she knew why we are here…to share the LOVE, and know it is the most important part of this life we live. I’m so glad you had such a wonderful example to guide your way. She will be missed. Love and Peace to us all.
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Nicky Rendell Dear Catherine,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear mother. It was a real pleasure to read on this site about her varied and talented life, I would have loved to hear her sing!
I always enjoyed popping into your Moms room for a visit when I was over. She was always so gracious, engaged and seemed to like a nice chat!
I wish you peace and comfort at this difficult time,
Many blessings,
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Katelin R Pharis Didn’t we luck out with our Mothers! We will miss them but are grateful that they are gone on to whatever it is that awaits. Maybe they will have a chance to spend some time together and talk about us. All good I hope. Lots of memories of Boxing Day visits to your parents place and enjoying Sheila’s lively mind. Lots of love, Kate, Glen, and family
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PEGGY FRANK I miss Sheila and her clear mind. She was a joy to get to know as she entered a difficult phase of immobility near the end of her life. She was always grateful for whatever Therapeutic Touch a and I could do to comfort her. Thank you for this information about her very rich life. You and she have left me with lots to think about.
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Mel and Jan Edgar Dear Catherine, Heather and Slav,
Thank you so much for the beautifully written account of your dear mother’s journey through life.
Mel and I share in your sorrow and loss.
We wish you peace and joy as you celebrate her life.Kindest regards,
Mel and Jan
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Sheri (CHW) I’m sad to hear of Sheila’s passing. I always enjoyed our visits together and loved our conversations. She was a wonderful and kind lady and we always found something to smile about. She will be missed:)
Hugs and love to the family❤️
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arlene and Martin Perhaps, we will now have a chance to win a scrabble game at the New Year! Sheila’s brain, smile and youthful appearance always kept her involved in whatever was happening. She role modelled a loving relationship with her daughters who were devoted care givers.
Sheila lived an illustrious life and will not be soon forgotten with her smiling welcoming friendship. May she now rest in peace.
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Frances Peffers Dear family and friends of Mrs.Fraser. Iam so sorry to read about the passing of your mom and best friend. My condolences to you and all of her family and friends. I worked with her in her home and always brought out the best in her. I will miss her dearly. Frances Peffers ( Bayshore)
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Dan Thachuk and Jean Morgan Catherine, Heather, Slav and extended family…our heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of Sheila. She had a very lively mind, great wit, and was always curious about her world. We enjoyed many interesting conversations with her…lively, thoughtful and fun. Lovely memories. Thinking of you all.
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Andrew Cromwell I met Sheila for the first time in 1980 at the family home in BC. Through Catherine we maintained our connection and cherished her interest in the well-being of our family. More recently my wife Nina and I thoroughly enjoyed playing our musical instruments in Sheila’s living room and doing a version of “Name That Tune”. Sheila would shout out her answers and sing along from her bed nearby. We admired her enthusiasm for music and social engagement even when her energy was waning.
Our condolences go to Heather and Catherine. The loss of a parent is emotionally painful regardless of the circumstances. Nina and I wish you both peace of mind and healing of heart as you refocus your lives without “Mom”. Blessings.
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Baruna Bhattacharjee Dearest Cathy and Heather.
It was really a pleasure and an honor to have a loyal friend like dear Sheila since we first landed on Salt Spring Island from Calcutta, India in 1968. As my husband P.K.as he was poplar known as was a Chief Engineer on the B.C. Ferries plying between Tswassenn on the mainland Vancouver and Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island.With Donald Fraser as the Captain.
Our friendship, however, was based on mutual liking for one another rather than any professional connection. My elder daughter Tooki was just Three at the time and both Cathy and Heather were kids too. I clearly remember Heather cuddling up on a sofa sucking her thumb while we adults sat chatting away. We became friends from then on and our love and friendship had continued to this day.
Even though I had to move back to Calcutta, India, our friendship continues and every time we visit Victoria dear Sheila and her two affectionate daughters have always spoilt us with their love and generosity.It’s really wonderful to see her in the beautiful pictures posted above and read about her multifaceted life’s experience..
How I wish that I could have been there with Cathy and Heather and Slav, for the Memorial Service for dear Sheila on the 13th October,2020. But I will surely be there with you all in spirit.
Dear Sheila had a good life filled with diverse professional experiences. Had a wonderful husband like Capt. Donald Fraserand two devoted daughters Catherine and Heather who took such care, filled with love, for their wonderful mother Sheila over the years.
Please CELEBRATE HER LIFE on the 13th of October,2020.
My Fondest Love and Blessings will always be there for both dear Cathy and Heather. Sad that we couldn’t make it to Victoria this August due to the Pandamic. Such is Life..
May my dearest friend Sheila Rest in Peace ❤️.
Baruna.
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John Higginbotham Dear Catherine and Heather
I offer you my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, Sheila.
I admired how she applied her intellect to conversations and learning skillsets for new experiences.
Sheila embraced her personal use of computers, playing video games and competing in online bridge games. She was a challenger on that level and a proponent of love being the connector in our world.
May she rest in peace
Dear Catherine,
Condolences to you and family and friends of Sheila.
Thank you for having me over and getting to know your Mom (and your Father) via the above obituary so lovingly done.
Thank you for including the wishes of your Mother regarding charities to contribute to in lieu of flowers.
Lynda Boyd