Sheila Mary McGovern

Peacefully, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at age 73. Predeceased by parents Lois Anne McGovern (née Latham) and Taylor Joseph McGovern. Sheila will be greatly missed by her five sisters: Kathleen, Maureen, Maggie (John Manson), Patricia (Guy Talevi), and Teresa. She also leaves behind her niece Suchada (Clint Whiteman), nephews Gabriel, Ryan, and Brendan, and great-nephews Devin, Alric, and Zander. She was a doting aunt and great-aunt who thoroughly enjoyed spoiling the next generations of the clan.

Sheila was a journalist, working her way up through the ranks from Fort Erie, a weekly publication, to the daily Barrie Examiner and Windsor Star. She then spent a year in France to brush up on her French, allowing her to land a coveted position with the Montréal Gazette.

Sheila built a full life in Montréal and had many close friends there; she was active in Irish heritage activities, learned to play the harp, lead Irish dances, and baked excellent soda bread! After retirement she returned to her hometown of Ottawa to be closer to family, where she took up other creative pursuits, including pottery.

While Sheila occasionally let her Irish temper loose, what everyone remembers most is her kindness and generosity. She supported many charities, from local Montréal and Ottawa organizations to national and international associations. Sheila never missed an occasion to brighten someone’s day with a card: whether it be for a birthday, holiday, “get well”, or just because she was thinking of you, she sent them all. At Christmas, she loved to buy and wrap gifts for people who needed a little extra support.

Please join the family in celebrating Sheila’s life at Tubman Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, on Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Words of remembrance and a toast in Sheila’s honour will take place at 1:15pm.

Sheila spent her last days at Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice where she received attentive and compassionate care from all the staff and volunteers there. We can’t thank them enough.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice Care Ottawa or a charity of your choice in memory of Sheila.