Obituary of Sheila Marie Torsher

October 26, 1932 - Lethbridge, Alberta

June 14, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Sheila Torsher passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Calgary, after a life well-lived and more recently, a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born in Southern Alberta in 1932, growing up on a farm in Bow Island, Alberta, as a proud farm girl.  She attended school in Bow Island, Medicine Hat, Pincher Creek, and Calgary. She was recognized for having the highest scores in the Government of Alberta Grade 12 departmental exams, winning both the Governor General’s medal and the Calgary Separate School medals for her achievement. She went on to graduate with a BSc in Food Science and Home Economics from the University of Alberta, and completed internships in Toronto, Spokane, and Vancouver, before starting work in Calgary, and later in Bow Island, as a dietician. The arts were always important to Sheila, earning her Royal Conservatory Grade 9 piano, singing in the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus, embracing new skills such as weaving (she was a founding member of the Celebration Weaver's Guild), and encouraging a love of music in all her children.

She met her future husband, Edward Torsher, as a child in Bow Island, but they didn’t start dating until they reconnected in Calgary, in the mid-1950s. They were wed in 1958, and when Sheila’s father died suddenly, they moved back to take over the family farm. They farmed successfully for 38 years. In addition to her years as a partner to Ed on the farm, she was a dedicated musician, Canada census worker, and a dedicated volunteer serving as a 4-H Sewing Club leader, a member of the University of Lethbridge Senate, and on the Alberta Health Long-Term Care Review Committee. In her later years, she retired to Calgary, where she enjoyed new friendships, playing golf, bridge, and travel. She was an extensive world traveller both before marriage and later in life.

Family, friendships, and her faith were very important to her. She was a devout Catholic, a lifelong member of the Catholic Women’s League, a member of the St. Bonaventure Parish Bereavement Committee, and a longtime supporter of the Sisters of the Faithful Companions of Jesus. She and Ed always valued education and a broad international outlook.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ed Torsher (1996), and sister Sr. Patricia Halpin (FCJ) (2023). She is survived by her children, Laurence (Lynn), Daniel (Marie-Hélène Côté), Maureen (Laurent Dumaine), and Kevin (Lynn Wright); and grandchildren, Alexa, Camille, Eric, Evelyn, Guy, Hugo, Jill, Luke (Kayla), and William. She is also survived by brothers, Roger (Gayle) and Tim (Evi).

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (1113 - 1st Street East, Bow Island, AB), on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Graveside service to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories at www.alzheimer.ab.ca or to the charity of your choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Sheila’s family here.

In living memory of Sheila Torsher, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.