The Life and Legacy of Marian Sheard
A Journey of Resilience, Family, and Community

Early Life and Immigration
Marian Sheard was born in Poland on 1924-02-11. In 1926, she immigrated to Canada with her family and settled in Minitonas, Northern Manitoba. As a child, Marian left school to assist her two older sisters, Hilda and Adina, with both household and farm tasks. She later moved to Winnipeg to live with her cousin Vi, before relocating to Toronto during the wartime years.

Marriage, Work Ethic, and Early Family Life
In 1945, Marian married Ronald William Sibbald, an auto mechanic who eventually became the owner of a Supertest service station. Marian’s determination and work ethic shone through as she worked as both a waitress and a factory worker. Her savings of $8,000—a considerable sum then—served as the down payment on a $12,000 rooming house at 716 Dovercourt Road in Toronto.
Marian and Ronald built a home and a livelihood together. Marian managed the rooming house, caring for tenants and extended family members. She also contributed to the Estelle Modelling School (both her children were models), working in client relations and job coordination.
The couple had two children:
• Gary, born 1947-11-02
• Gayle, born 1950-08-30
The family later moved to Mississauga, residing at 1057 Orcades Crescent. Marian continued to support Ronald at his Supertest station and eventually became a business partner at the Sir Nicolas Polish restaurant on Roncesvalles Avenue. She cherished family summers at Springhurst Beach, spending time with extended family, including her great aunt Irene (Irvine) Goddard and Alma Goddard with 4 children and their families.

Family and Extended Relationships
Marian was one of eight siblings: six girls—Hilda, Adina, Olga, Marian, Martha, Esther—and two boys, Fred and Ben. She was the sixth child and ultimately the last surviving sibling of her generation. Marian maintained close relationships with her 24 nieces and nephews (some predeceased) throughout her life.
Her grandchildren include:
Dr. R. Gary Sibbald married to Debra Ricciatti Sibbald (children: Matthew and spouse Mira Kapala, Timothy, Cathryn), Gayle and John Sr. Wilding (children: Johnnie, Kimberly)
Marian was also a proud great-grandmother to:
• Luke and Sophie (children of Dr. Matthew G. Sibbald and Dr. Mira Kapala Sibbald)
• Jack and Cassandra (children of Johnnie Wilding and Amanda Noseworthy)
• Emma, Owen, Liam (children of Kimberly and Greg Bell)

Later Life and Subsequent Marriage
In 1979, Marian’s husband Ronald passed away. In the early 1990s, Marian married William (Bill) Sheard, who had previously been married to Dorris (Goddard) Sheard, daughter of Alma Goddard.

Friendships, Personality, and Community
Marian, affectionately known as Nana, or Great Nana, left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Her warmth, positivity, and ability to develop enduring friendships made her beloved by many, even as she outlived several lifelong friends.
She found joy in family, friends, good food, “fizzy” drinks like champagne and Prosecco, and red wine. Marian loved flowers, both inside and outside, and most of all, she cherished fun. She participated in service organizations with her daughter Gayle and was actively involved with Brampton’s Rose Orchestra, hosting major birthday parties before or after performances to encourage local attendance.
Marian enjoyed a friendship of over 50 years with Marg Rider, later maintaining a close bond with Marg’s daughter, Fran Rider, who continued this connection with the family.
She was also friends with the late Hazel McCallion, former Mayor of Mississauga, and the late Lois Rice. At one of Hazel’s birthday celebrations, a photo captured Marian, Hazel, and Lois, collectively representing nearly 300 years of lives well lived.
Her great-grandson, Luke Sibbald, fondly remembered great-nana’s distinctive style: she often wore pink and purple, with sparkly shoes that reflected her vibrant personality. Marian was always impeccably dressed and served as a role model for many.

Legacy and Recognition
Marian’s remarkable life was celebrated widely, especially on her 100th birthday, when she received over 150 congratulatory cards. She was honoured with:
• A personal video message from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
• A commemorative photo and plaque from King Charles and Queen Camilla
• Recognition from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and others

Enduring Impact
Marian Sheard’s life was marked by resilience, generosity, and joy. From her early days as an immigrant supporting her family, to establishing businesses and nurturing generations, she leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unwavering positivity. Her life served as an inspiration to all who knew her.