May Sheldrake (nee Rainey), 83, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Born February 20, 1941, she was a lifetime member of the Greater Victoria community.
May was a lifelong learner, avid reader, world traveler and business owner. She grew up in Victoria, the daughter of immigrant parents and attended Oak Bay High School. Later, she met and married Grant Sheldrake, her husband of 55 years, and together they raised a family and owned and operated several small businesses.
May valued education and while raising a family, was able to obtain university degrees in English, History and Russian. She also supported the education of others through her activities in local service organizations, on the Board of Governors at St. Michaels University School, and as an adult literacy coach.
May put her writing skills to use in several communications positions in the BC Public Service. She was an adventurous traveller, exploring her Irish and Scottish roots, and visiting Europe, China, the former U.S.S.R., and the Middle East, and throughout her life she embraced her artistic side through sculpture and painting. May was an amazing host to young and old and those that knew her have great memories of being in her home.
May is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Catherine) and Joe (Jennifer Molony), her four grandchildren Nicholas, Patrick, Caroline (Sam Çalış) and AJ, and her sister Pat Thomson. May is predeceased by her husband Grant, her parents Joe and Nan Rainey, and her daughter-in-law Saskia.
A Memorial Service followed by a reception will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Blair Robertson
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Ann Akyuz Dear Jeffrey, Catherine, Joe, Jennifer, Nicholas, Patrick, Caroline, Sam, AJ, and Pat,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Losing a parent, grandparent, or sister can feel overwhelmingly painful, and I want you to know that my heart goes out to each of you during this incredibly difficult time. While grief is heavy, I hope you can find solace in the cherished memories and the enduring love that surrounds you. Please remember, I’m here for you. If there’s anything you need, no matter how small, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You are all very much in my thoughts, and I’m sending you strength and love.
Dear May,
I know you will be watching over us today. I read your story, and your fantastic granddaughter, Caroline, always spoke about you with such love. You were a remarkable woman, and your life journey was truly inspiring. I wish I could have had the chance to meet you. You raised wonderful sons, Jeffrey and Joe, and you have lovely daughters-in-law and fabulous grandchildren. You must be very proud, as your children and their families are truly remarkable because of you and your husband, Grant.
I look forward to celebrating your remarkable life and sharing stories honouring your legacy.
Rest in peace, dear May. You will always be in my prayers.
Ann Akyuz
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Christine Eagon Dear Jeffrey and Joe and your families.
I have special memories of your Mum, first meeting her when I was only 14.In the mid 1990’s I was about to travel to UK and Ireland, and I reached out to May and Grant with a few questions. We stayed in touch via mail and through email for more than 25 years. Earle and I remember a multifaceted in-person visit at their lovely home in Victoria in 1999. May prepared a fabulous dinner and we talked for hours. She shared her interest in painting, favorite London art museums, and sites in Scotland. Such a source of helpful travel information, I believe May emailed me directions to the church in London where my grandmother Alice Sheldrake and her siblings were baptised.
Sending our condolences and love,
Chris Eagon
Earle Cottingham
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Nick & Jordan Dear Jeffrey and Joe,
Jordan and I send you and all in the Sheldrake family our heart-felt condolences. My memories of May begin in the autumn of 1983. As I recall, it was Grant who was on a train crossing Siberia, and he wrote May to sign up for a Russian culture class. I first became acquainted with May when I read her essay on the history of Western perceptions of Russia. That’s 42 years ago! Over the years, our acquaintance grew into friendship; parties at the Sheldrake home, Orthodox Easter celebrations on Cowichan Street … May Sheldrake has left wonderful memories and we send your love.
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Neil Baird It’s true! Your parents were always kind and generous hosts. Many happy memories of the swimming pool and the player piano. Condolences to you and Jeffrey and family. As I texted earlier,let me know if there is anything you need
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Lesley and Matt Pollard What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending the family love and condolences.
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Michael Wale Joe and Jeff, I am sorry to hear of your mum’s passing. I have many fond memories of both your parents as we grew up in Victoria. Sleep overs, pool parties and times aboard their boat, the Nancy M. Good times! Your mum will be fondly remembered and missed. Take care.
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Zuzka My sincere condolences on your loss… May was, indeed, all that you wrote and she was my greatly valued friend for decades, ever since our meeting at UVic in the early 80s… I’m thinking of you all and share in your grief as well as in celebrating her life and her generous spirit… please take care and treasure your memories of a most vibrant, wonderful woman.
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Keith and Carol Vickers Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
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Pat Thomson That is a very nice write up for your mom – she would have been pleased to see what you wrote! I’m thinking of you and your families at this time all my love!
So sad to just read this now and sorry I missed the service. Allows enjoyed my time at the Sheldrake residence – player piano, pool and sign along. A kind and generous woman.