SHIELS – Vera (October8, 1930 - August 21, 2025)

After a long and beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Vera Shiels, passed peacefully from this world on August 21, 2025, at the age of 94. She has gone to be with her Lord and reunited with her husband, William (Bill), whom she loved dearly.

Vera was born on October 8, 1930, in Aldicane, Saskatchewan, on the family homestead to Harry and Rosie Gassoff. She was the middle child, growing up with her older brother, Albert, and her younger sister, Molly.

In the spring of 1943, the Gassoff family relocated to Quesnel, British Columbia. Vera, Albert, and Molly made the journey on their own, traveling first by train to Edmonton and then on to Vancouver, where they were met by one of their father’s Russian friends, who drove them the rest of the way to Quesnel. Vera would spend the next 34 years of her life in Quesnel, a place that remained close to her heart. 

In 1947, Vera met the love of her life, William (Bill) Shiels, and the two were married in 1949. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to family.

In 1977, Bill and Vera moved to Williams Lake, where they made their home and put down deep roots in the community. Their house was always open, warm, and filled with the smell of home cooking, the sound of laughter, and the comfort of love.

In 2017, they unexpectedly relocated to Swift Current, where they continued to enjoy the blessings of family and faith. Bill and Vera shared 70 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2019.

Vera’s life was centered on caring for others. Known for her strength and resilience, she faced every challenge with courage and every blessing with gratitude. Her unwavering faith in God sustained her through both joys and sorrows.

She loved spending her time reading devotions, praying, cooking, and most of all, being surrounded by her family. She cherished visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always offering encouragement, stories, and hugs that made everyone feel at home.

Vera is survived by her siblings Albert Gassoff and Molly Coan, and her seven children:

Sharon Shiels; Gordon (Ann) Shiels; Ron (Sharon) Shiels; Teresa (Dennis) Dyck; Joy (Jack) Funk; Ruth (Jim) O’Neall; and Christine (Lee) Bunce.

She leaves behind a lasting legacy in her fifteen grandchildren: Michelle, Amanda (Myron), Donna-Lynn, Crystal (Brad), Kimberly (Jay), James (Brandi), Erica, Devin (Lexi), Jason (Taylor), Austin, Morgyn, Brandon (Sydney), Jordan, Erik, and Vanessa; and her twenty great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy.

She was predeceased by her husband Bill Shiels, her son-in-law Bruce McLeod, her grandson Simon Kirkham, and her great-granddaughter Mylah Heppner.

Vera’s life was one of faith, love, and dedication. She taught her family the value of kindness, the strength of perseverance, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 1:00 p.m. at Open Bible Church. The interment will take place at Pambrun Cemetery, Pambrun, SK.

The family wishes to thank the staff, residence and Angels at The Bentley, Dr. DeKlerk and staff, Home Care, and the Church of Open Bible for their loving care and compassion during Vera’s final days.