11/18/2025
SANDMEYER, Sheila Isobel (nee Bailey)
The family of Sheila Sandmeyer, sadly announce her passing on November 5th, 2025 at the age of 80 years.
Sheila was born on March 13, 1945, to John & Evelyn Bailey of Delacour, Alberta. She was a dedicated & loving wife, mother & grandmother. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, David Sandmeyer; 2 children, Brent (Stacey) Sandmeyer & Lynne (Ken Wilde) Sandmeyer; 4 precious grandchildren to cherish her memory, Charlotte & Robert Sandmeyer, Finlay & Isobel Wilde; brother, Richard (Elsie) Bailey; in-laws, Frank & Catherine Sandmeyer; numerous nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, John & Evelyn Bailey; sister, Donna Snyder; brother-in-law, Alden Snyder.
All of that is true. But here is the rest of the story.
Sheila was raised on a farm in Delacour, AB, where her father was a Hereford breeder. Here she learned to love farm life. Active in the 4H Beef Club she raised and showed steers for several years. She had a horse which provided her with recreation and enjoyment. Sheila attended school in Kathryn, AB, and was editor of the school yearbook her graduation year in 1963. After graduation, she attended Henderson's business school in Calgary. Upon completion of her course there, she found employment with Pan American Petroleum Corp (Pan Am) later named Amoco. It was at Pan Am that she met David Sandmeyer, whom she bewitched and married in 1968, beginning 57+ years of all the good things a family can bring. They started married life with a one-year assignment to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Then back to Calgary where they lived for the next 54 years, with a one-year assignment to Edmonton interrupting that period.
In 2022 Sheila and David moved to Rife, Alberta to David's family farm having spent the prior several years gradually spending more time at the farm and less time in Calgary.
Sheila loved country life, and all of nature intrigued her. Mountains, prairies, forest, lakes, all brought her enjoyment. The rising and setting of the sun, the changes of the seasons were her enjoyment, in recent years however "Winter" was removed from her favourite list. She enjoyed anything she could do outside. Gardening was a favourite activity and long walks for exercise, viewing nature, animal and bird life up close gave her enjoyment. That was extended to feeding the hummingbirds gallons of sugar water each summer and hundreds of pounds of sunflower seeds to the winter birds to bring them close for her enjoyment year round.
For 30 years before leaving Calgary, Sheila and neighbour Sylvia walked their dogs daily in Fish Creek Park, enjoying the exercise, the company, and the time in nature. The afternoon before her death she had a long walk around the farm and spent the early evening hours with David in a hunting blind scouting for deer.
Sheila loved music of all kinds, pop, country, hymns, you name it. She played the piano and had a beautiful singing voice. Her voice got regular practice singing at church. She was raised in a Christian family, belonging to The Calgary Church of Christ she was a faithful and active member all her life. She passed from this life secure in her faith in Christ's promise of spending eternity in God's paradise.
As Brent and Lynne grew, Sheila devoted herself to supporting their activities. Her true passion emerged when her children became involved in sports. Brent started hockey at age seven, and although Sheila had no prior interest in the game, she quickly became a dedicated Hockey Mom. Lynne joined a highly competitive synchronized swimming club that required frequent practices, including early mornings. This meant extra driving for Sheila and ongoing fundraising efforts. Her dedication truly reflects the lengths parents go to nurture their children’s passions. Sheila was always proud of her children’s accomplishments and was the same in the cases of her four grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren deeply appreciated her unwavering support and love, and her presence will be profoundly missed.
As per Sheila’s wishes no public service will be held. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. To send condolences online please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 - 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677
