Obituary of Sheila Archibald Tinker
Sheila Archibald Tinker (Wilcox)
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, artist, pianist and teacher, passed away peacefully at Parkstone Enhanced Care in Halifax on October 17, 2025, surrounded by love.
Sheila was born in Ontario to Charles Richard Wilcox (Sr.) and Alice Maie Wilcox (née Archibald) who nurtured her early love of music, art and nature. She often spoke with warmth of her happy childhood in their rural community, and she remained close to her siblings Judy, Dinah, and Richard throughout their lives.
After attending Nova Scotia College of Art, Sheila began a new life with her husband David Tinker, her high school sweetheart; the couple married on May 16th, 1962. David’s academic career took them to Seattle, WA, USA and then to London, England, where the couple welcomed their two eldest children, Nicholas and then Timothy. Two more children, Tobias and Katie, joined the family once they had settled back in Canada. A tiny rural house in Victoria Square, Ontario, would become the family home for nearly 30 years; Sheila filled it with music, art, joy, creativity, and wonderful cooking, and despite its small size it became a beloved gathering place for friends and extended family alike.
A devoted mother, Sheila gave her children both roots and wings—offering constant support, quiet encouragement, and unconditional love. Her deep affection for children extended to the broader community: she led youth activities, taught Sunday school, and spent many years sharing her gift of music as a piano teacher.
As an artist, Sheila maintained a lifelong dedication to painting, and could find beauty in everything. Working in watercolor, oil and acrylic, she saw perfection in the simplest objects or landscapes, telling their story with a unique style of deft, expressive brush strokes that perfectly convey mood, light and movement. Her works were shown and sold at art festivals and local exhibitions, and many now grace the walls of families, friends, and appreciative strangers.
Music was also at the center of Sheila’s world. She was an accomplished pianist who loved classical music, especially from the Baroque era. For many years she taught piano to children. In 1997, after David’s retirement, they moved to Nova Scotia: a province Sheila had cherished since childhood. There she found new ways to incorporate music into her life: playing harpsichord at home; playing the organ for her church; and singing in local choirs.
Throughout her life Sheila found joy through spending time in nature, whether alone or with family. She was an avid gardener, with a special penchant for roses. After moving to Granville Sheila cherished daily walks along the old Acadian dykes with her dogs, as well as time spent enjoying or perfecting the extensive gardens she created on their property. Through her artist’s eyes, she never failed to see each new day as a miraculous creation.
Sheila will be remembered by all who knew her for her kind, gentle, and generous nature. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, an infectious sense of humour, and a quiet strength that will live on in her family and all those whose lives she touched.
Sheila is survived by her children, Nicholas (Doris), Timothy (Julie), Tobias (Athanasia) and Katie; her four grandchildren, Calum, Holly, Alice and Alexis; and her sister Dinah (dec. Graham). She is pre-deceased by her husband David; her parents, Richard Sr. and Alice; and her siblings, Judy (dec. Len) and Richard (Lesley).
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Parkstone for their compassionate care during Sheila’s final years, and would also like to recognize the invaluable services of local care company Comforting Companions.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will be made available through the Kaulbach web portal once available.