In Memory Of

Pamela Marie Shiels

Aug 14, 1952 - Sep 1, 2025

Service

Saturday, September 6, 2025
2:00 pm
Sylvan Lake Funeral Home, Sylvan Lake, AB

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that the family of the late Pamela Marie Elizabeth Shiels of Sylvan
Lake, Alberta, announces her passing on September 1, 2025, at the Red Deer Regional
Hospital after a brief illness. She was 73 years old.

Pamela was born on August 14, 1952, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, one of five daughters of
the late Raymond and Cecile Rougeau. She was predeceased by her sisters Shirley
Rougeau and Darlene Parcels.

Pam’s journey took her from Winnipeg to Edmonton in 1979, a move that marked a new
beginning. While in Edmonton, she worked as a receptionist with Catalyst Theatre, where
her love of drama and the arts flourished. Inspired to follow her childhood dream of
teaching, she returned to university and graduated in 1987. She began her teaching career
in Stony Plain, Alberta, before settling in Fort McMurray in 1989, where she taught for
more than two decades until her retirement in 2011.

In retirement, Pam discovered a deep passion for quilting. With patience, creativity, and
love stitched into every piece, she created countless quilts for family and friends. Each
quilt was a reflection of her generosity, leaving behind not only treasured keepsakes but
also a legacy of warmth and comfort.

She leaves behind to mourn her children: Kelly Shiner (Junior), Scott Shiels, Kevin
Shiels (April Macintosh), Carmel Gray (Daniel), and Katrina Osmond; her sisters Jean
O’Brien and Julie Rougeau (Norm); as well as Lisa Hoffmann (Joe), Finley Hoffmann,
and Shawn O’Brien (Spring). She will also be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces,
nephews, extended family, and many friends who became family over the years.

Among those who will miss her most are her greatest joys—her beloved grandchildren:
Ray-Anne, Jordan, Paige, Jenna, Zavior, and Zane.

Pam was truly a force to be reckoned with. Those who knew her will remember her as
strong, determined, and influential. Whether as a mother, a friend, or in her teaching
career, she left a lasting impact on those around her, always setting the standard
according to “Pam’s law.” Her love and spirit will live on not only in her family, but also
in the many quilts she lovingly created, each one a lasting embrace.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

A memorial service will be held at Sylvan Lake Funeral Home on Saturday, September 6,
2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences

Daena Seland:

I had the pleasure of meeting Pam several years ago through my work. She easily became near and dear to my heart, an easy friend to make. She shared many a good story with me about her years teaching, quilting, her family and grandkids and even her grand cat!! She treasured and remembered all her past students, and she loved her family deeply and was so proud of each of them. She really, really was. She also loved her cappuccinos from McDonalds and loved them even more when they were free!!

I last chatted with Pam in May of this year. She shared with me pictures of the quilt she just finished for Jenna's graduation/birthday. It was lovely and I was so glad she pushed herself to make it and get it done. I loved seeing her finished quilts. She had a great talent. She would always send me pictures of the quilts she completed. I will miss getting those updates.

I loved her wit, spunk, sass and independence. I will miss her. She was a great person to know and call friend.

Jane Heather:

I got to know Pam and her kids when we both worked at Catalyst. Single mum, 4 kids, working full-time, I was in awe of her gumption, her honesty, her integrity, and her joy. A warrior woman who had a dream and followed it fully. She didn't want to be a receptionist forever, she wanted to be a drama teacher and by gum, she was going to do it. Reading comments from former students, it's clear she was brilliant at it. Pam changed the world. Condolences to the family and everyone who loved her.

Stephen Reimer:

Ms. Shiels was my Drama teacher and theatre director at Composite Highschool in Fort McMurray from 2006-2010, but she was so much more than that to me. She was the living embodiment of perseverance and devotion, and these were not lessons she taught through instruction, but through example. I remember her lifting herself out of her scooter every class to join us in a physical warm-up to the B-52's "Love Shack", sometimes pushing through pain and living her loyalty to her students. She instilled in me an ardour for the theatre: it demands total respect and sacrifice, but always gives back more than you put in. It has become my life's obsession. I now live in London UK and am the Artistic Director of a fringe theatre company and charity. I continue to be amazed, when working with actors young and old, how somehow a highschool teacher in Fort McMurray taught me more about the art than I see in some who have had access to world-class productions and training their whole lives. From this alone, I know that Ms. Shiels was truly in a class of her own, and I will miss her deeply as a teacher and mentor.

Terri Mort:

Pam was an extraordinary mentor and colleague—resourceful, talented, full of wit and energy. She had a unique gift for inspiring both drama students and teachers alike, cultivating a loyal following of thespians over the years. Whether it was a performance, rehearsal, or a quiet moment of guidance or gratitude. Her encouragement was empowering, and left an indelible mark on many, including myself. Though Pam will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in those of us who had the privilege of knowing her. Deepest condolences to family , friends, colleagues and students.

Julie:

Mrs. Shield was an amazing teacher and friend. She inspired so many of us with her love for teaching.

Thank you Pam for all you did for us. You will be missed deeply! Much love to her family during this difficult time.

Larry Newman:

So sad to hear of Pam's passing. She was a good friend and colleague and a feisty lady who faced challenges with determination. She was always willing to help those around her. I enjoyed our conversations and I am sure she will be missed by family and friends. My deepest sympathy to all.

Lisa Hoffmann:

I will always remember Auntie Pam's laughter, our long conversations over the phone and the way she made everyone feel at home. Her love for family was so strong and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness. I'm so grateful for the time we shared. Auntie Pam you will be missed by all. Rest in peace.

Diamond Sutherland:

Ms. Shields was my drama teacher from 2006-2010 and I loved every class, and every play that I was able to be a part of. She taught me that life is too short to not be myself and she encouraged me to do so with every year that passed, and she brought me out of my shell so much, that for my grade 12 project, she had me teaching her grade 9 class. Sure enough after 4 years learning from her, she chose to give me her 'Pammy' award and I cherish it still to this day. I don't know where I would be without her and I know the world is a much sadder place without her presence. My condolences to her family ♡

Renee Colbourne:

My sincerest condolences to your family for the loss of a great lady.
I had the honor of assisting Pam a couple years back. I remember our conversations during our visit. Her stories were amazing and the conversation even better!
Kindest Regards
Renee

Janet Forshner :

Pam was such an inspiration to me when I moved to Ft McMurray and started teaching at Beaconhill School she made sure that my drama program had whatever was needed. Many of my students continued with drama at Composite High. Her passion for the arts was evident to all who knew her. Condolences to the family.

Sheldon Dahl:

Pam was one of many experienced teachers who took me under her wing at the start of my career at Composite. Little did Pam know that when she and Dorothy recruited me to help out with the school musical "Fiddler on the Roof," she would rekindle my love of theatre and contribute to me performing in numerous productions over the last 20 years. Keyano Theatre is producing "Fiddler on the Roof" this year, and if I am fortunate enough to be cast, I am sure I will be thinking of Pam every rehearsal and show.

I know many former students of Pam have become Drama teachers as a direct result of her influence. There can be no greater tribute to her work as an educator than that.

Emmy:

She was such a positive force!
My condolences to the family!
May the good memories help you in this difficult time.

Sharalyn Hyde:

I remember Pam as a most treasured friend and for me, a once in a lifetime friend. She invested in her family and friendships meaning she gave her all out effort to others in love, time, interest and often finances.
What a gift to have been blessed with her friendship for over 65 years. We grew up together on David Street in Winnipeg, attended the same schools through to high school and then Pam moved to Alberta. But the friendship flourished because Pam always, always kept in touch. Seems she was committed for life!
Our phone conversations usually lasted over 2 hours as Pam loved to share about her awesome adult kids and her cherished grandkids .
Dear family, please know how much you were honoured and valued by Pam…a legacy of love.

Taylor Jacyna :

Mrs Shiels was my teacher at comp in Fort Mac for a couple years in 2006-2008
I was in her fashions class where we did a lot of sewing and my most favorite was the quilting. Its been 20 years since I was in that class and too this day my love for quilting runs strong. I can still hear her voice when im cutting fabric talking about seams and washing of fabric, quilting foots and everything. The very first quilt i made in her class still sits on a chest in my room all these years later

Phil Meagher:

Pam was a true picture of perseverance! No matter how many times Pam was knocked down, she always managed to get back up and move forward. She is one of those teachers who stood out and will be talked about for m any generations to come! Pam was one of the first teachers at Composite High School, in Fort McMurray, to win the "Diamond In The Rough" award, for outstanding dedication to teaching and students. All of Pam's students loved her, and what better mark of a great person/teacher is there? Thanks for all the memories Pam.

Waleed Najmeddine:

Sincerest condolences to your family members. Rest in peace Pam.

Janice Hyman:

Aunt Pam, always Aunt Pam…I can still remember first meeting you so many, many years ago…you had the most delicate, beautiful hands, your skin was so creamy and lovely and what a laugh you could be…I remember visiting you at 1350 on Danforth and babysitting Kelly Anne when she was just a smidge of a girl…good night Aunt Pam, always my Aunt Pam

Megan (Lawrence) Schaaf:

Pam was my drama teacher at FMCHS from 2003-2008. Her influence and the impression she made on my life is one of the reasons I became a drama teacher. I will never forget the difference she made in my life. She was a force! I will always remember her driving down the school hallway with her scooter yelling "beep beep!" My condolences to her family. ❤️

Jan Selman:

I worked with Pam through her time with Catalyst Theatre, and admired her work, community spirit, and grit. She became a friend as well as a colleague. So glad we (Denise Roy, Pam, and me) visited at Sylvan Lake a few years ago. My condolences to the family..... Jan Selman

Howie Nore:

Goodbye cousin Pam, you will be sadly missed by your cousins in Manitoba. May you rest peacefully.

Dorothy Walch:

My heart aches in the loss of my dear Pammie. We shared so much...great talks in the staff room at Comp, drama productions, Friday Tea Times, wild times at Convention, Chickie Trips, and living in her basement suite for 6 months and just hanging out. I will miss her.

Jenny Foran:

Condolences to Pam’s family. She was such a help to me in my quilting journey. Loved working with her and getting ideas. I am very sad to hear of her passing she will be missed.

Sandra Colles:

RIP my dear cousin Pam, so many childhood memories of us growing up and having fun times, my deepest condolences to her family…..

Jean OBrien:

Sending all of you lots of love and strength as you navigate through this difficult time. I hope your memories will bring you comfort as time passes.
Your Mom, grandmother was a strong, loving, generous, thoughtful, kind person. I will treasure all of my memories of her. The fun we had going to garage sales, the few times she tried to teach me how to quilt, our road trip that started out in Idaho and ended up in Nanaimo just to name a few. Pam crafted a lot of gifts for us over the last 40 years, from cross stitching, to Santa making, carousel horses and finally her famous quilting projects. We looked forward to receiving them every year. You were a great sister, Pam and you will be dearly missed.

Jeanette Gibson:

My deepest condolences on the passing of a wonderful friend. I am glad that we got to talk on day of Pam's birthday. Pam you were there for me through difficult times a year ago which is appreciated, I will cherish forever. To Kelly & family, Scott, Kevin & family, Katrina, Carmel & family remember the wonderful memories with your Pam.
Heaven has gained an angel. Fly high and spread your wings Pam. I am not saying goodbye but we will see each other one day on the other side.
RIP Pam, you are now free of pain.
Your longtime friend, Jeanette

Joyce Thrush :

To the family. I will miss Pam in our quilting groups. Rest in peace Pam

Lara Thesenvitz:

Pam was my drama teacher at FMCH from 1989-1993. She was truly one of the best teachers I ever had, and helped me navigate the difficult teenage years with gentleness and understanding. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed.

Tina and Hank Shiner:

To kelly and junior Paige and Zavior and the rest of the family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. When we first moved to fort McMurray she was our neighbor. She was a sweet beautiful lady we got to know her just know that she is watching from above .keep all of your memories of her


Tina and Hank Shiner
South Brook Nfld

Greg Dowler-Coltman:

I have such fond memories of Pam from her days at Catalyst. I remember her bringing her full self to every relationship...and what a beautiful laugh!!! Sending love. ❤️

Robin Chamney:

My deepest condolences at the passing of this wonderful lady. I am so pleased that I got to visit her last November. Word can’t express the sadness but the wonderful memories of our time together will forever be special.

Julie Rougeau:

I will miss you my big sister. You will always be in my heart. I send my love to all you loved Pam especially her family and friends who became family.

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