Obituary of Sheila Margaret Andrecyk
Sheila Andrecyk, a beloved mother, grandmother, and community volunteer, passed away peacefully on January 30th, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and remarkable service to her family and community.
Born and raised in the North End of Halifax, Sheila’s childhood home once stood where Northwood now rises — a place that forever anchored her deep connection to her city and its history. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Philip Smith and Margaret “May” Smith (Henrion), and by her husband, William “Bill” Andrecyk, with whom she shared over 45 years of marriage until his passing in 2005.
Sheila was a proud mother to three sons: Bill (Christina), Brian (Leanne), and Kevin (Caitlin). She cherished her four grandchildren deeply: Callum, Ava Kate, Sophie, and Reese, and took great joy in watching their lives unfold. A woman of intelligence and ambition, Sheila was a student of the 1956 graduating class at Mount Saint Vincent University and received her degree in Secretarial Science. Prior to her marriage, she travelled to Toronto, where she worked as an administrative assistant with British American Oil Company. Upon returning to Halifax, she continued her professional career as an administrative assistant to the Deputy Minister of Health of Nova Scotia.
Sheila was known for her many passions and talents. An avid cat lover, she enjoyed the companionship of her beloved pets, including Puss, Tinker Bell, Spooky, Papa, and Patches. She was also a keen card player and a longtime member of several Bridge and Rumoli clubs. Sheila lived a life rich in service, culture, and community. A passionate lover of music, she was a member of the Chebucto Community Singers for 33 years, serving as choir manager for a decade and chairing their beloved fundraising event, Sweet Serenade. She also sang with the Jubilate Singers and was an original member of the Nova Scotia Tattoo Choir for 38 years, where she proudly learned to sing the national anthems of more than 25 countries in their native languages. Her commitment to the arts extended further through her work with Opera Nova Scotia, where she served as a board member for 10 years and chaired the annual Opera Valentine’s fundraiser. She was secretary for the Halifax Skating Club and devoted 20 years as a silver dance judge. Her life was marked by resilience and history. Sheila was a survivor of the Bedford Magazine Explosion of 1945. Her family history was deeply rooted in faith and community: her uncle, Monsignor Smith, oversaw the building of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Halifax, where Sheila and Bill met and were married. Her aunt, Sister Anna Gertrude Smith, was a member of the Sisters of Charity at the Mount Saint Vincent University Mother House and a survivor of the Halifax Explosion of 1917.
A dedicated supporter of youth sports, Sheila could often be found cheering from the sidelines as her sons played competitive baseball, hockey, tennis, football, rugby, and basketball. Her husband Bill volunteered for over 20 years managing the Conrose Baseball Association in Halifax, a commitment Sheila always proudly supported. Sheila will be remembered for her grace, warmth, resilience, generosity of spirit, and devotion to family and community. Her life was one of quiet strength, deep love, and extraordinary service, leaving a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Per her wishes, services will be private. Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Nova Scotia or Bide Awhile Animal Shelter.