Obituary of Sheila Marie Rocks

June 20, 1949 – Calgary, Alberta

November 16, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Sheila Marie Rocks passed peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 after a short battle with cancer.

Sheila is survived by sons, George Rocks (Renee), Andrew Rocks (Danae), daughter Julie Rocks, grandchildren, Andrew (Abby), Cole, Jackson, and Bowen. She is also survived by her mother, Marian Anderson; sisters, Linda Williams (Dave), Valerie van den Brink (Corry), Cynthia Tymko (Richard); brothers, Robert Anderson (Dy), David Anderson (Lorna); and a large extended family. Sheila was predeceased by her father, Robert Anderson, and her husband, George Rocks.

Sheila met the love of her life, George, in junior high. They married in November 1969 and raised three children. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage before George passed away in May 2022. They were inseparable in life and even death could not keep them apart.

Sheila had a passion for learning and excelled in school. She loved doing homework, studying, and achieving high grades. She was a junior high cheerleader, played on the senior girls’ basketball team, and graduated with honours from St. Mary’s Girls High School. She enrolled in the School of Nursing at Calgary General Hospital prior to changing her focus to motherhood. At 38 years of age, Sheila returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary. During her career as a teacher, she lovingly and skillfully taught hundreds of children at Holy Cross, St. Patrick, Cardinal Newman, and St. Sebastian schools. Sheila had a strong faith. She gave generously of her time volunteering at her church in a variety of roles. She was especially proud of teaching RCIA.

In her retirement, Sheila enjoyed card making, playing piano, watching Hallmark movies, going to the casino, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and making precious memories with her grandchildren.  Sheila cherished her family and friends. She prayed for, protected, taught, encouraged, worried, and loved them unconditionally. She enjoyed planning, organizing, and hosting family gatherings. Her home was forever overflowing with warmth, laughter, and good food. Sheila will be deeply missed. To be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church (10 Prestwick Dr. SE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. Following the service, light refreshments with a tribute slideshow will be held in the hall downstairs. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In loving memory of Sheila Rocks, 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.