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May 4, 1938 - May 18, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

Sheilah was born in Revelstoke, BC, to Christopher and Ihleen Abell on May 4th, 1938, and departed this world peacefully in her sleep on May 18th, 2024, after a long and exciting life.

Sheilah was the second of two children, and her curiosity about the world compelled her to spend many happy hours exploring the mountains around her home in Glacier. Her family relocated to Revelstoke in the early 1940s, where she and her older brother, Harvey, attended school. Sheilah loved sports: skiing in winter and swimming in the summer. In the early 1950s, her family moved again, this time to Vancouver, B.C. After completing high school with honours, Sheilah obtained a Bachelor of Science from UBC, intending to pursue archaeology, worked for BCAA as a receptionist, then married the love of her life, Homer Rogers, in 1965.

Two years later, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Jennefer, into the world together, creating a loving and supportive home.

From 1968 to 1971, Sheilah, in addition to her homemaking duties, pursued her Doctorate in Archaeology through distance education. This was the beginning of her lifelong academic journey, which she balanced with the development of her artistic talent, specializing in oil painting. Her dedication to both fields was admirable.

When Homer had the opportunity to work for the Canadian International Development Agency from 1969 to 1971 in Tanzania and then again from 1978 to 1981 in Kenya, she encouraged him to take the postings. While in Africa, she visited several active digs in Egypt and continued with her painting, accruing an international following. In 1981, the family returned to Canada and settled in Revelstoke.

From 1981 to 1985, Sheilah was an active member of the Revelstoke Artist Group, where she not only displayed and sold her paintings but also inspired fellow artists with her talent. In 1985, she retired from the group to embark on a more introspective chapter of her life, dedicating her time to writing, painting, and gardening. From that time until 2019, Sheilah's creative spirit flourished, and she produced four children's books and nearly a hundred commissioned artworks.

In her later years, Sheilah's reclusive nature became more pronounced, and she stopped engaging with the world at large. However, those fortunate enough to share her time, sunny disposition, wit, and kindness all felt her warmth deeply.

Sheilah's presence was a source of comfort and joy for her family and friends, and her absence is deeply felt by her daughter Jennefer (George); Grandson, Rowan; Sisters-in-law, Jackie and Pat; Brother-in-law, Dennis; and many nephews, nieces, former artist colleagues, and friends.

A special thank you to the staff at Mr. Cartier Court, who went above and beyond the call of duty to make Sheilah feel respected and loved.

No service by request.

If you wish to donate to a cause, simply share your time and skills with someone who needs them and can learn from them.

To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com