We are saddened to announce the passing of Sheila Hardy at 7 pm, January 14.
She was at peace after her recent health struggles and had her family by her side.
Sheila was raised and schooled in Burnaby, BC. She found her passion and career in music early at the age of 8 under the care and tutelage of her teacher, Edward Parker for 10 years. She met and married fellow piano student and neighbour, Walter Hardy. High school sweethearts, they married and raised two young boys while Sheila taught piano and Walter went through Science and a PhD in Physics at UBC. After a life journey which took them to Paris and California and then back to Vancouver, Sheila went back to UBC as a returning adult student in Piano Performance and received her Bachelor of Music in 1977. There she met her next mentor, Lee Kum-Sing who became a great influence on her musical life. She was invited to join the faculty at the Vancouver Academy of Music, then in its early stages of development at 12th and Cambie, and afterwards in its current location near the Planetarium.
Sheila was immensely proud of her 2 sons, Kevin and Steven, and her 3 grandsons, Tyrone, Carson and Michael; to whom she leaves her love and memories. She lovingly invited their partners into the family by opening her heart and home to Mareile, Kira, Sarah and Brie-Ann. Her niece Natasha Little and nephew Gregory Little (Christine) were an integral part of the family as well.
Along with family and friends, the students Sheila taught and mentored over a span of nearly 65 years are the legacy she leaves behind. Long after their studies were completed, many of these students came to visit to show their respect and gratitude for her guidance both in music and in life. We were privileged to witness this outpouring of sincere appreciation and the impact she had on friends’ and students’ lives as word got around that she was very ill in hospital. These visits, calls, emails and texts were a very important part of saying good-bye for her, and the family got to know a side of Sheila that was clearly very influential on a great many people. Thank-you everyone!
Sheila’s other passions were her flower and veggie garden, and her love of entertaining which was apparent to all who came to enjoy her cooking and hospitality. Her wish is that the great care, love and friendship she received during her challenging times from her family, dear friends and colleagues be paid forward to those in kind.
Always, true friendship and love conquers all!
Even though Sheila loved flowers, in lieu, please consider donating to VGH Foundation at https://vghfoundation.ca in her name – the nurses, doctors and staff at VGH Ward 10C were so helpful and kind, making her last days comfortable and dignified.
A Celebration of Life will be planned later when restrictions are lifted.