Mrs. Sheila Desroches of Yorkton, beloved wife of Tom Desroches, passed away peacefully with family at her side at the age of 81 on April 9, 2017 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was the eldest daughter of Ross and Mary Houston born on August 17, 1935 in Flin Flon, MB. It was in Flin Flon that Sheila completed her education and was involved in tap dancing, highland dancing, girl guides and violin. She moved to Yorkton in 1953 and graduated with her Registered Nursing diploma in 1956. From the stories she told, Sheila had a lot of laughs and formed many strong friendships with her nursing friends that have lasted a lifetime. It was also during this time that she was set up on a blind date with her future husband, Tom Desroches. After her graduation in 1956 Sheila worked in Yorkton and Wadena. On June 1, 1957 they were united in marriage at St. Gerard's Church in Yorkton, SK. The sign on the bumper of their wedding car read, "watch Canada's population grow"…and grow it did!! It was here in Yorkton that they built their first home and started a family. Over the course of the next 14 years Sheila and Tom had 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls. They moved from Yorkton to Norquay to a farm outside of Sturgis finally settling in Sturgis in 1971. They resided there for over 35 years. Sheila was very active in both her kids' lives and the community. She spent countless hours at the rink with five kids playing hockey and four in figure skating. Amidst the chaos of raising 8 active kids, cooking meals, gardening, maintaining a small farm and the odd child breaking a limb, Sheila was always patient and calm. She was truly an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, friend, daughter, sister…she was a true example of grace and faith. When she found time to relax, Sheila enjoyed reading, knitting and going for a Sunday drive. She also loved watching football and curling. In later years Sheila and Tom enjoyed time together travelling, camping with their holiday trailer and attending numerous fiddle competitions. Her faith was an important part of her life and she was a member of the CWL for over 50 years and was considered an honourary member. In 2007 Sheila and Tom moved back to Yorkton. Here she reconnected with many nursing friends, enjoyed visits from her family and most recently moved to Yorkton Crossing. Sheila was predeceased by her son Herb, grandson Jarrod, parents Ross and Mary, in-laws Herbert and Margaret, sister Kathleen, brothers-in-law Dave, Jack, Jerry, Ernie, sisters-in-law Rose and Margie. Sheila is survived by her husband Tom, children Karen (Darwyn), Glen (Donna), daughter-in-law Bettyann, Kathy (Peter), Pat (Tenley), Phil, Maureen (Tim), Theresa (Troy), her sister Barb, brother-in-law Art, sisters-in-law Yvonne, Joan and Anita, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sheila will be dearly missed and always loved and cherished. The Prayer Vigil was held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Nicole Fedorchuk serving as the cross bearer and the reading given by Alex Carlson. The Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Francis Hengen as the Celebrant. The cross bearer was Jordan Desroches and the readers were Megan Fedorchuk and Luke Desroches. Serving as the gift bearers were Desirae Libke and Raemi Carlson. Asia Libke, Eryn Desroches and Jenelle Desroches led the general intercessions. The ushers were Alex Fedorchuk and Andrea Kutney. The pianist, Chris Fisher, led members of St. Gerard's choir in the singing of the hymns. Members of the Catholic Women's League, Sturgis and Yorkton branches held an honour guard. Honourary Bearers were Pat Fletcher, Marjorie Freiheit, Margaret (Dolly) Marshall, Mabel Purse and Jeanette Sabulsky. The interment followed in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Phil Desroches serving as the urn bearer. Following the reception, Sheila's children paid tribute in song. Memorials honouring Sheila's name may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family by going to .
