Sheila Ward, the TDSB Trustee who has represented Toronto Centre – Rosedale TDSB Ward 14 (of which Cabbagetown is a part) has died. She has been the trustee for the area since 1997, and was the school board’s chair from 2003 – 2007.
The TDSB released has written that “Sheila was a tireless advocate for her community and public education in the City of Toronto,”.
We will post details of any memorial service here once they become available.
Trustee Sheila Ward remembered as mentor, friend to city, provincial politicians (thestar.com)
SHEILA WARD Sheila Ward was a force of nature. She died unexpectedly but peacefully at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto on February 17, 2016 surrounded by significant other Janice and her daughters Jessie and Emma Barr, ‘honourary niece’ Nancy Fowler and her husband Mike Brown, and close friends Kathleen Wynne and Jane Rounthwaite. Pastor Matthew Parker was also present. Close by were Barbara Parker and Janice and Sheila’s beloved grandbaby Sylvan Quinn (aka the ‘Budlet’). Sheila was born in Toronto on July 23, 1938. She is survived by her brother Dave and his wife Debbie, nephew Adam, nieces Kenda and Stephanie and cousins Cliff Walker and Harriet Greenhow. Predeceased by her parents Maida and Charles Ward and brother Jim, as well as ‘Little Puppy’ Albert. Over Sheila’s long career she made significant contributions to education, journalism and politics in Canada and touched the lives of many leaders in those fields. Most recently, she was a School Trustee for over 20 years and led the Toronto District School Board as its Chair from 2003 to 2007. A funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th at Fairlawn Avenue United Church, 28 Fairlawn Avenue, Toronto, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend, honour and celebrate Sheila’s life. Donations in Sheila’s memory can be made to Nelson Mandela Public School (cheques payable to “Toronto District School Board in trust for Nelson Mandela Public School”). Condolences may be left at http://www.aftercare.org/obituaries/Sheila-Ward/
Our condolences to Sheila’s family and friends.
If you would like to let others in the neighbourhood know of the passing of a Cabbagetowner, please have their family contact us.