Obituary of Sheila Dorcas Kernahan Whitt

January 15, 1954 - Edmonton, Alberta

November 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Sheila Kernahan Whitt, beloved wife of Michael Whitt and mother of Hailey Whitt and Katy Wimmer of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the age of 69 years.

Sheila was born in Edmonton, AB, on January 15, 1954. She attended Elboya Elementary and Junior High School, and Henry Wisewood High School before studying Marine Biology at UBC in Vancouver, BC. Later, she graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary and was called to the bar in 1984. Sheila worked as a lawyer and partner at Whitt & Co., where she was the real brains behind the operation until it was acquired by BLG in 2002. She practiced intellectual property and commercial law until her retirement in 2004.

Sheila was the second oldest of six children. From an early age she loved clothes and fashion. She was very active in recreational and competitive skiing, with many family weekends spent up at Lake Louise. She also enjoyed her time with her family up at Pigeon Lake where she learned to swim and sail. Sheila enjoyed hosting parties with her husband, travelling with her closest friends, attending large family events, adopting, and rescuing animals, spending time with her pets, spending time at her cabin in Salmon Arm, engaging in lively debates, and being the biggest support for her two daughters through all their endeavours. Sheila had a strong competitive spirit and was always up for a challenge. Despite facing multiple battles with cancer, she displayed incredible strength and determination. Her friends and family remember her as someone who was always the "fun one" and the life of the party. She was cherished as a dear friend who brought happiness and love to every interaction.

Sheila is survived by her loving husband Michael, her two daughters, Hailey and Katy, her granddaughter Juliet, her son-in-law Daniel Wimmer, her brother Cameron Kernahan, her sister-in-law Terry Kernahan, her two sisters, Marilyn Kernahan and Valerie Clark, and her brother-in-law Ed Clark. Sheila is predeceased by her mother Elaine, her father Mart, her sister Lynda, and her brother John. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children. Her close friends, family, and all who had the pleasure of meeting her will fondly remember Sheila.

A Celebration of Sheila’s Life will take place at The Glencoe Club (636 - 29th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be short speeches, a slideshow, and an open mic session for anyone who would like to share stories about Sheila. Please share condolences, memories, and photos with Sheila's family here.

In living memory of Sheila Kernahan Whitt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.