Sheila was born on September 12, 1943 in Rosetown, SK the daughter of Elmer Freethy and Sophia Wilson. She was raised in Saskatoon, SK and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in teaching. She taught school first in southern Ontario then in Kirkland Lake where she met her husband Neil Sullivan of Butte. They were married there in 1968.
The couple moved to Hoyt Lakes then to Embarrass, Minnesota in 1970 as Neil followed the mining industry. Sheila raised the children and worked as a clothing representative and on radio station sales. She was an active 4H leader and operated a pre-school.
In 1986, the family relocated to Helena to follow mining once again. Sheila worked for radio advertising and at Montana Legal Services. In 1995, the couple began working internationally in Australia, Canada, and Uzbekistan. During R&R’s, she visited over 20 countries and had numerous adventures. In 2004, they returned to Helena for retirement. Sheila enjoyed establishing and maintaining her magnificent vegetable and flower gardens and spending time at their cabin in Wise River. She really enjoyed the ladies and gentlemen from the water aerobics group at The Y.
She is survived by her husband Neil of Helena, her daughters Deb (Chip Barber) of Shakopee, MN, Terri (Robert Biehn) of Northfield, MN and Crista (Stan Anderson) of Missoula. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, several cousins in Saskatchewan, and nieces and nephews in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Colombia. She is preceded in death by her son Kenneth of Hoyt Lakes as well as her parents, sister Rena, brother Alan and sister Mary all of Canada. Services will be delayed until early summer due to Covid-19 concerns.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Monday June 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday June 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Monday June 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday June 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Karen Maehl says
Neil and family, Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Sheila was a very gentle and sweet lady. She was so interesting to visit with. Carl and Karen Maehl
Amy Braun says
Sullivan Family, I send you my thoughts and prayers. She will be missed so much. What a wonderful woman.
Love,
Amy Braun (née Roberts)
Kim Ulmer says
My heart is so sad for all of you!! She was amazing and I know I would be a different person today if I hadn’t had her guidance in my youth. I pray that God grants you strength and his peace through this time. Love, Kim (Moritz) Ulmer
Mark and Kate Peterson says
Neil and family…My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Kara Hummel says
Deb – I am so sorry to see the news about your mother. The Hummels send their love to you and the boys.
Colleen Holzheimer says
Dear Neil, I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your lovely Sheila. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your girls. Your new cousin from the old country. Colleen Galvin of the Dwyer/ Murphy clan.
Joan Anstey says
Dear Neil, Debbie, Terri, Crista & families
I was so saddened to hear Sheila had passed away. Dawn notified me early Sunday morning. Sheila was always a special cousin to me. She was born on my 4th birthday. I have many fond memories of Mary and Sheila spending time at our farm near Zealandia during summer holidays. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. My heart goes out to all of you. Sincerely, Love Joan Anstey
Thomas says
Neil and Girls, please accept our heart condolences over the loss of Sheila. Prayers for you.
Bob and Barbara
Jon and Janet Pallister says
Neil and family, oh so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to your whole family at this time of sorrow. Janet and I hold you all in our thoughts and prayers!
Susan DeBree says
I met Sheila at the Y where we both took part in the hydro aerobics class and we became friends. We did a little cross country skiing together last winter at the Bill Roberts Golf (and ski) Course. She was so kind, friendly, intelligent and thoughtful. I will miss her greatly. My heart is with yours, even though I don’t know the rest of you. Rev. Su DeBree
Sandra Forbes says
Dear Neil and family. I am so sad to hear of the loss of your dear wife. Ernie and I were so happy to meet you both when you visited Aberdeen and to spend the day with you visiting our Great Granny’s memorial at New Aberdour. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time Take care. We send our love
Sandra and Ernie
Deacon Steve and Laura Barry says
Neil and family, Laura and I send our condolences and prayers to all of you. May God be especially present to you during this time and May the many memories you share bring you joy and peace. With Love and Blessings, Ste and Laura
Sandra Forbes says
Dear Neil and family we are so sad to hear about the loss of your dear wife. Ernie and I were so happy to meet you both on your visit to Aberdeen and to spend the day with you visiting our great grandmother Jane Whyte’s memorial at New Aberdour. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Take care. We send our love
Sandra and Ernie
john gillespie says
Neil and family. Pat and I are very sorry for your loss. Sheila was a very kind and gentle lady. We greatly enjoyed our visits with her. Love and prayers John and Pat
Charlotte says
Crista,
Thinking of you and your family through this difficult time. The good memories and time spent with your family are so precious. Sending my love and prayers. ❤️🙏