Sheila Anne Canning, nee Sheila Anne Sanson
February 18,1934-December28,2025
Sheila died peacefully in her sleep at home on December28, after a lengthy battle with
Dementia. She is survived by her husband, John, her 2 sons, Brendan and Kevin, Granddaughter, Serena and her Grandson, Teagan.
Born in Hanover, Ontario and raised in Cheslea to Jean Sanson and Geraldine Heatherington.
However, her father, Jean went overseas to serve in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, leaving Sheila and her mother Geraldine on their own.
Sheila went to high school in Toronto. Like her mother, she attended Wellseley College for nursing. Attended U of T and McGill University and became a public health nurse. Her first job was in Sault Ste. Marie. She given a bursary for one year and stayed for five. She was given a position at the Porcupine Health unit in Timmins, Ontario where she became the youngest public health nursing director in the province.
She met her future husband John Canning in Timmins, Ontario in 1966. John was captivated by her smile and her giving nature. They married on August 27, 1966. They both moved to Whitby, Ontario where they received employment at what is now known as the Durham Region Department of health. She was assistant nursing director.
While on maternity leave with her second child, Kevin she was approached by the principal of Harwood Secondary School in Ajax, Ontario. She was offered a teaching position to teach hospital and nursing services. A new subject for adult students. She attended Queen’s University for two summers to obtain her teacher’s certificate. She would go on to teach at
Harwood Secondary School for over two decades.
While at Harwood Secondary, she opened her home to many teens from broken homes. Too many to mention. While staying with Sheila and the family, they too were treated as part of the Canning family.
She was a devout Christian. Taught catechism every Sunday and did many of the spiritual readings at St. Bernadette’s Church in Ajax. Every year she catered a meal for the St. Vincent de Paul’s annual appreciation dinner.
Sheila was a voracious reader and devoured murder mysteries by Dick Francis, Agatha Christie and Louise Penny like they were going out of style. Daily crossword puzzles were done. (The more cryptic the better). Recently she did them with friend of the family Jessica Nelson right up until Boxing Day. She also enjoyed knitting and was an avid bridge player. She had a solid bridge crew, her friends from church, up until a few years ago She enjoyed classical music and trips to the Stratford Festival. She enjoyed trips abroad and a fond memory Sheila and Eoin had together was an Alaskan Cruise.
She lived a long and eventful life and met many friends, students, colleagues and peers. When you became friends with Sheila you became friends for life.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.
Mass will be held at St Bernadette Church (21 Bayly Street East, Ajax) On January 15th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Messages of Condolence
Mrs. Canning was an amazing teacher. I had the pleasure of being one of her students at Harwood and then later in life, she attended my se...
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Mrs. Canning was an amazing teacher. I had the pleasure of being one of her students at Harwood and then later in life, she attended my senior dinners at the school I was teaching at. She will be missed.
Heather Tyrrell Cobourg January 09, 2026
Heather Tyrrell Cobourg January 09, 2026
So true: "Once you knew Shelia, you were her friend for life!" Blessed to have known her and call her friend.
Calvin and Eileen Stone Baltimore, Ontario January 08, 2026
A gentle passing for a difficult loss. I was fortunate to meet Sheila on a good day with a glimpse of the lovely soul she was and the wom...
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A gentle passing for a difficult loss. I was fortunate to meet Sheila on a good day with a glimpse of the lovely soul she was and the woman John chose as his partner through life. With deepest sympathy, MJ
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