Mary Sheila Whalen née Foster
December 31, 2025
Obituary
Mary Sheila Whalen nee Foster.
December 23, 1921 – December 31, 2025
Died peacefully December 31st, a week and a day following her 104th birthday, at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, St. John’s NL. Born in St. John’s NL December 23, 1921 to Henry (Harry) Foster and Jenette (Earle).
Predeceased by her beloved husband Alfred in 1998, her son Gerald, February 2025 and her grandson Geoff, October 2025.
Lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter Gail (Jim Herder), Aurora ON; her grandson Jimmy Herder (Jordan Ludington) and their daughter Zoe, Toronto ON; her granddaughter Karen Herder and her sons Andrew and Ben Douglas, Aurora ON; her daughter-in-law Sandra Whalen; grandson Mark Whalen (Melanie Ozon), their sons Louis Whalen and Declan Maunder. Also remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Sheila was the last of her 10 siblings. John (Nellie); Phyllis (Fred Fitzgerald); Ollie (Chris Moodie), BC; Jean (Marcel Menu), BC; Alexander; Adrian, ON; Harry, BC; Nina (George Rosenstrom), Iowa; Stella (Daniel Hyder), NC; and Helen (Cyril Crocker).
Sheila always cared for others, she took great pride in her home and family. She was a lover of music. A cherished song was ABBA’s ‘I Have A Dream’ with lyrics about believing in angels. She is now with them. Rest in peace Momma/Nana/Nanny/Great Nana/Great Nanny.
Sheila’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Pat’s for their kindness and for taking such good care of Sheila while she was a resident.
A family burial has taken place.
Donations in memory of Sheila may be made to St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, 146 Elizabeth Avenue, St John’s NL A1A 5B2.
Hello Gail,
Sorry for the loss of your mom .
My name is Sherry and my mom and dad are Joseph and Susie Legrow and I work at st.Patrick’s and would often drop in and see your mom .i would tell her who I was and she would always say little Joey . I will miss going to 3 E/W and not dropping in to see her..
Hello Gail,
I am just reading the obituary for your Mom and I am thinking of all the fond memories I have of your family and mine growing up next door to each other on Liverpool Avenue.
As you know, my mother (Margaret) and your mom were very close friends and I recall her saying (at one time) that Sheila was just like a sister to her.
Please accept my sincere sympathy for the great loss of Sheila, Gerry and Geoffrey. I trust that 2026 will bring you peace and comfort
Doris
I
Gail and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Sheila’s recent passing. Sheila and Alf were wonderful neighbours to me and my sister Donna (recently deceased) for many years. Sheila was a generous, kind and gracious lady. She missed her dear Alf so much after he passed. May their spirits finally be reunited. R.I.P. Sheila.
Gail and family , so sorry to hear about your Mom. My condolences to you and your family. May she RIP.
So sad to hear of Mrs. Whalens passing. Mrs. Whalen and my mom Ruby Greening were neighbors on Liverpool Avenue. Mom passed last year pretty close to her 100th birthday and mom used to speak of Sheila often and wonder how she was doing. Please accept my condolences to the family.
How amazing it is to have lived 104 years on this earth! I have fond childhood memories of Auntie Sheila (my mother’s sister). She was always welcoming and lovely. when we visited with her and Uncle Alf. Her passing marks the end of her generation of Fosters. While this may give us pause, I hope her long and well lived life brings to mind a plethora of happy, loving memories to those of her immediate family. Bob, Janet and Jesse join with me in offering our sincere condolences. Rest in eternal peace, Auntie Sheila.
Condolences to all of Auntie Sheila’s Family
When we leave this earth, the love that we’ve given and received remains behind to light the lives of those we touched-each memory a candle burning bright. You are surely among the Angles now. Lovingly remembered by Margie (Keith) Fitzgerald and Family