SHEILA JEAN AVANTHAY

November 25, 1947 ~ April 11, 2015

Sheila Jean Avanthay, beloved wife of Louis Avanthay, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Darin Avanthay and family, Derek Avanthay and family and Cheryl Martyn and family all of Winnipeg; brother, David (Judy) Mitchell and family of Medicine Hat; brother-in-law, Raymond (Devona) Avanthay and sister-in-law, Bertha Evens both of Winnipeg including numerous friends. Sheila and Louis have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her parents, David and Eliza Mitchell; Louis’ parents, Morris and Bertha Avanthay; brother-in-law, Albert Avanthay and sister-in-law, Lorraine Avanthay also of Winnipeg. Sheila and Louis shared over 43 wonderful years together. They enjoyed travel (visiting Israel twice) and house renovations. Sheila especially loved designing and planting her many gardens. They were both very hard workers. She upgraded her education by attending Ryerson University and successfully completing the program that led her to managing the fashion department in Eaton’s in Winnipeg for 30 years before retiring. When Sheila and Louis retired to Medicine Hat, Sheila answered God’s call and became involved in a program in her church called, “Celebrate Recovery” a program that seeks to help people who suffer from “hurts, habits and hang-ups” and need to know the love of Jesus. She loved people and loved to reach out to those who were hurting. Sheila often said that her life began when she gave her life to Jesus. They loved to host dinner parties in their home and extended love and respect to all who visited. Sheila was loving and compassionate as well as wise and very practical. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially the love of her life, her husband, Louis. Deep gratitude is extended to all who cared for Sheila including, Ann Marie Scott with Palliative Home Care and all those in Palliative Care. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Hillcrest Church, 3785 – 13 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Bob McGougan officiating. Following the service, a time of fellowship and refreshment will be provided in the hall for those who wish to extend their sympathy and love to Louis and the family. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Compassion Canada c/o Sarah Lewis, P.O. Box 5591, London ON, N6A 5G8 (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455