Sheila Sandys-Wunsch [nee Harper] passed away at the age of 88 in Victoria, BC. She was born in Croydon, England to George and Eliza Harper. She attended the Royal Academy of Music in London. She taught music at schools in Aberdeen and St. Andrew’s, Scotland prior to meeting her husband John (deceased) and immigrating to Canada. After periods of time in Tofino, Courtney and Victoria, the family relocated to a fishing outport in Newfoundland, which she probably wasn’t expecting! She continued teaching music in Newfoundland until relocating to Ontario. She and John finally moved back to BC where they enjoyed retirement. She was active in the church throughout her life and enjoyed travelling, gardening, dogs, and British murder mysteries in addition to her lifelong passion for music. She is survived by her children Michael (Sayuri), Donald (Gillian) and Helen.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. John the Divine on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 2:30 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Ian Harper
-
Mary Clarke On behalf of the Juan de Fuca Community Orchestra members, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to Sheila’s family.
She was a long time member of this group, as a ‘cellist and music arranger.
She will be sorely missed.
-
Wendy Maggiora ( Branch Archivist ) Condolences to the family from the Victoria Branch of the BC Reg.Music Teacher’s Assoc. Sheila was a valued and active member from 1996 to 2004 . Upon retirement she became an Honourary Assoc. Member of the Victoria Branch. Her arrangements of folk songs for piano with teacher accompaniment and piano ensembles are a sample of her dedication and remain in the Branch archives. We appreciated her support and contribution.
Ian Harper (nephew)
I have many fond memories of Aunt Shiela. My father (Malcolm) and Sheila shared a passion for music. Visits were always filled with music- my dad accompanying Shiela on the piano. Shiela’s cello was such a gift.