 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
||||||
 |
 |
|||||
 |
||||||
 |
 |
|||||
 |
||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
|
||||||
Over 35 years of teaching, Sheila has touched the lives of countless students, parents, families, co-workers, volunteers and friends.
Adding a Tribute
Do you have something to share? Don't be shy. Share your thoughts, inspirations, memorable moments, or any fun trivia about Sheila.
Add a Tribute
Tributes Already Received
Below are some cherished inspirations, memories and fun moments submitted by a handful of those who would like to pay tribute to her.
"Sheila, you were always able to stop and chat and enjoy the day. Your ability to bring a smile always left me wondering why more people could not pass on your positive attitude. We will miss you at Pocock. Enjoy your retirement, enjoy your grandchildren -- as if you need to be told..."
(Patrick Kay, July 22, 2006)
"Dear Sheila, You are a wonderful and an amazing warm and pleasant person. I would like to thank you for your kindness as well as your dedication to the PIP. Best wishes to you and your family. You will always be remembered. God Bless."
(Alicja Obidzinska, Jun. 29, 2006)
"There are many blessings in joining a church choir and meeting the Williams at Our Lady of Sorrows is just one of them. During our breaks, I discovered that Sheila worked with 'gifted' students and from her stories, her devotion and dedication to those students shone through. If only she could be cloned now that she will be retiring. Sheila, have a wonder-filled retirement with your family ... especially with those beautiful grandchildren ... and have many tea parties!!"
(Janet Faulds, Jun. 18, 2006)
"Sheila tried to teach her peer (TJ) and the school Psychologist (AD) how to play Bridge (We were doing fine with Cribbage, that lesser game). We were beginners. We still are beginners due to no fault of Sheila's. This is the least success Sheila ever had with students. We were and still are hopeless. Despite Sheila's downloading learning material from the internet and trying to show us with cards what to do, we are still unable to grasp the basic concepts. We still don't get it, sorry Sheila. We think we better go back to Go Fish or Crazy 8's which is possibly more compatible with our limited mental capacity. Let's face it we are not the brightest bunnies in the bush. But we sure appreciate your efforts!!"
(Tom Johnson and Alison Day, Jun. 13, 2006)
"To someone very special in my life - Sheila is/has been my spirit of encouragement when times have been tough. You have been through much with me Sis (Sheila is a sister whom I have never had). Sheila I have nothing but good wishes for you today June 12, 2006 and the many more years you have ahead of you. I know that there are many times for you to spend with those gorgeous grandchildren - times where you will not have to run off to work you can stay away as long as you want and play. There will be more teddy bears that need attention and Halloween costumes to make and goodness knows what else. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the very large picture it means a great deal to me. We will have many more trips to whereever and back you are the best travelling companion. More ball games when we can squeeze them in. God Bless, Carolyn"
(Carolyn Venus, Jun. 12, 2006)
"I met Sheila for the first time in January 2003 in the Academic Resource Department of Philip Pocock Secondary School. I liked her right away. Sheila is amazing, but most of all she is fun. There is an aura of happiness that surrounds her all the time and you can't help but be in a good mood when she is around. Sheila always has a hundred things going on at once and often leaves piles of papers here, her keys there and her sunglasses somewhere. I've come to call this the Williams Syndrome and I think of her fondly whenever something goes missing. Sheila, I am so glad our paths crossed!!"
(Angie Creighton, Jun. 11, 2006)
"I was pleased to share Sheila's enthusiastic participation in the alto section of Our Lady Of Sorrows' choir. The depth of her faith and her faithfulness is awe-inspiring, but the height of her spirit of optimism and generosity buoys up all those around her. I never taught Special Ed full-time, but I had enough experience in that department to be able to appreciate the work that Sheila did for 35 years. If ever I would have a child who needed that extra attention, I'd hope to be able to find a teacher like Sheila, who would always find the Christ in every person she meets. How many hundreds of kids have discovered their own value and capabilities by seeing themselves reflected in Sheila's warm, accepting and encouraging eyes. Lucky grandchildren!"
(Adrienne Pollak, Jun. 11, 2006)
"Sheila - this wonderful tribute to you is so well deserved! (I had to brush a tear from my eye as I read your accomplishments and fervour in your chosen profession - the students were so lucky to have you teaching them with kindness, firmness and discipline - qualities so needed and I have a feeling you were not shy in the execution of these qualities.) I have been lucky, indeed, to have you to my right or left at choir practices. Many times you have been knitting a garment, shawl or something for someone - another trait....thinking of others. Enjoy your retirement, family, and sailing the high C's."
(Alto Marg (Marg Gillespie), Jun. 10, 2006)
"Sheila, it's been wonderful working with you. Your caring attitude and cheerfulness has been a great inspiration to us all. Wishing you happy and healthy times ahead as you seek out new opportunities and enjoy your family. Good luck!"
(Franca Tasciotti, Apr. 28, 2006)
"Sheila, I got to know you rather well when we were both advisers for the school newspaper, then known as Pocock Personality. Our shared passion for teaching and working with students enabled us to meet many challenges. Through it all we were stoic and laughed our cares away. Remember those victory lap nights when we would stay till ten! Those were very special moments. I think what especially endeared me to you was your constant, unwavering support and your no-nonsense approach to the task at hand. Our students are blessed by your presence and, for knowing you, I am the better person. You truly are an inspiration. In the words of Thoreau, you Sheila, are the best sailor who can steer within the fewest points of the wind, and exact a motive power out of the greatest obstacles. Smooth sailing from now on!"
(Linda Daniels, Apr. 24, 2006)
"There isn't a day where I don't see Mrs. Williams smiling. Her smile brightens my day. I will never forget her and all that she's brought to me and other Pocock students. Thank you."
(Patricia, Apr. 21, 2006)
"Dear Sheila, you are the brightest star on our staff and your dedication and compassion is evident in everything that you do. You always give valuable advice, and your good sense of humour and smile are contagious! You really deserve the best in life and I hope that you truly enjoy your retirement. Have a fantastic time with your family and may God Bless you."
(Jack Chmiel, Apr. 20, 2006)
"Dear 'Sister' Sheila: I don't know how we'll manage in September. I'll miss your smile, your always cheerful manner, and your continual optimism. I have 2 more to go before I can retire, so I'm very jealous. Don't forget we're still on for Jays tickets for the 2007 season. I wish nothing but the best for you in your new future. Your Baseball Buddy, Rosemarie"
(Rosemarie Bowman, Apr. 19, 2006)
"Your warm smile and genuine love of students is evident in everything that you have done and continue to do. You are an inspiration to others - your family, your students, and your colleagues. You are a "one in a million" teacher and a real class act who will be missed by everyone! God bless and enjoy every minute with your family. You deserve it!"
(Angelo Di Francesco, Apr. 18, 2006)
"Sheila became my sister-in-law at that difficult time when I was becoming a young woman. Her love of God, her generosity of spirit, her infectious laughter, and her inclusionary attitude became the models I built my life on. Sheila is a sister of the heart."
(Jacqueline Wetmiller, Apr. 18, 2006)
"Nana, thanks for fixing my bear. You are a great seamstress. Thanks!"
(Olivia Williams, Apr. 14, 2006)
"As far as Mothers-in-law go, I have the cream of the crop! Mom is a kind, warm, funny, and patient person. She accepted me into her family from the very beginning and has been nothing but loving towards me ever since. I am blessed to have her in my life."
(Kelly Williams, Apr. 14, 2006)
"One day in high school at St. Jerome's, I was pulled out of class, told that a teacher was away and asked if I could take care of the special ed class for a couple of periods. I guess they knew my Mom and thought I would be the best choice. Well, it was the most challenging job I have experienced. From then on, I have had a great appreciation for how hard my Mom works, how patient she is, and how much love & understanding it takes to be a teacher in special education."
(Don Williams, Apr. 13, 2006)
