McLENNAN, Sheila
Born Friday January 26, 1934. Passed away Friday August 13, 2021.
Cherished wife of Donald (dec). Loved mother of Catherine and Andrew. Mother-in-law of Jeff. Adored Grandma to Joshua, Emily and Phillip. Great Grandmother to Leo.
Dearly missed and always remembered.
Funeral notice
Wednesday August 25, 2021
Due to Covid restrictions, a private funeral will be held for Sheila McLennan.
For those who are unable to attend, the funeral will be live-streamed on Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 commencing at 11:30 a.m.
Click here to view the live stream
Tributes
Leave a tributeHappy memories of Mr and Mrs McLennan as members of the Colac Library from the 1960s when I was a young student helper and the years beyond when I was the librarian. Long before the Corangamite Regional Library the McLennans were 'subscribers' of the Colac Library. I always regarded those who paid to use the library as special friends and remember them with fondness
Marjorie MorkhamAugust 25, 2021 12:42 pm
Dear Sheila, Very special room mate of May at Corangamarah. Such a beautiful lady & I miss our chats & laughter very much. Love to Catherine & Andrew.
May CookAugust 25, 2021 11:18 am
Lovely memories of dear Sheila when we visited her at her home and delightful times when Sheila and Jock spent special ocassions of birthdays,Christmas and just calling in at Nerissa and Denis' home in Yeodene. Sheila was always so happy, caring and interested in what Annalise and Natalie were doing at school, and always willing to help with their craft activities. Glyn enjoyed talking to Sheila and playing cards with her. I loved spending time with Sheila and admired her positive, resilent attitude to life. Our sincere sympathy to Jock and family. from Yvonne and Glyn Court.
August 25, 2021 10:51 am
Great memories of Grandpa taking us to visit Auntie Sheila, Uncle Dosh, Andrew and Catherine at the Gellibrand farm.
Feeding and milking Silver the cow and playing with Rex the Kelpie.
Deepest sympathy to Andrew, Catherine & family.
From David Kelly (Jr) & family.August 25, 2021 9:29 am
Greatly missed but not forgotten.
Sheila, a softly spoken but strongly supportive lady, whose generosity & gifts came from the heart.
Our sympathies are with Andrew, Catherine, and family.
Craig, Loretta, Anthony, Jackie and the Lease 65 staff.August 25, 2021 7:47 am
Aunty Sheila,
Thank you for the beautiful chapter of our lives that we had together, finding the right words is so much harder then I imagined. From the bottom of my heart I'm going to miss you so much. We will never forget you.
Love you always Sarah ,Kash and mason.
(Eldred)August 24, 2021 10:41 pm
My dear Aunty Sheila.. your sweet and pure soul will remain here on earth forever. When I think of you, I can smell your fireplace burning in the warmth of your cosy lounge room looking out over your stillness farm valley. I can smell the jam brewing in the kitchen, the wool of your knitted blankets and the freshness of your garden roses. I remember your sweet little voice and loving warm hug greeting me every time I visit. I will cherish each and every memory I have of you growing up. What a true blessing it was to have had you in my life, you were and always will be my biggest role model and inspiration. I can only hope I become as good as a Mother to my daughter, as you were to your own children but to all your extended family. I will miss you so much! Thank you for passing on all your wisdom and knowledge to me, you are now at peace with your Bluey and your true love. Now and forever.... my guardian angel. Rest Peacefully beautiful xoxox
Love Heidi O’Brien (née Eldred)
“Great Niece”August 24, 2021 10:02 pm
Sheila you were the most amazing , caring, hard working lady I have ever meet. So glad I got to be in your life for over 35 years. You got to see my 6 kids grow up and you loved our visits , played cards and games, you knitted so many clothes and blankets for us that I treasured,. Your cooking, jams , chutneys, and your fresh veggies you grown were amazing and we loved bringing them home and cooking up a feast. You taught my kids so many things and they loved seeing you. You always told me I was the bestest mum ever and that my kids were so lucky to have a mum like me. I will never forget those kind words. I’m so glad I got to say goodbye to you, you will always be in my heart and memories, Deepest sympathy to Andrew, Catherine, Emily, josh and family’s Kellie Eldred xxx
August 24, 2021 9:05 pm
God bless you Sheila. I have not lived in Australia for many years but I do remember being your bridesmaid. It was a long time ago but I have very fond memories of you . We enjoyed the visits to you very much.
My sympathies to Catherine and Andrew.
Linda McLennanAugust 24, 2021 7:45 pm
How sad the Gelli Valley is without Sheilah in it.
She has been such a great friend to all our family, firstly with Narna (Mary, Malc’s Mum). They shared a wonderful friendship being part of The Card Group, then on to the environmental issues, working tirelessly to protect the Valley she loved so much, then on to our
children and grandchildren who loved her as she them. Our visits were always filled with laughter at her dry, straightforward wit, those sparkling eyes, always interested in our activities and goings on.
Sheilah will be sadly missed.
Love to Cathy and Jock and their FamilyAugust 24, 2021 7:33 pm
Sheilah, always a smile, a cuppa and a lovely home baked treat... Such a wonderful lady who delighted in giving and bringing warmth into the lives of whoever walked in her door.... Sincere sympathy to Cathy and Andrew
August 24, 2021 6:11 pm
Sheilah - a lovely lady, sadly missed.
Sympathy to Andrew, Cathy and family.Rod McLennan
August 24, 2021 3:35 pm
We will miss Sheila's welcoming smile, that delightful accent, a lovely lady who will be remembered for her generosity, and love for her garden.
Deepest sympathy, to Jock, Catherine and family.
Maxine and Keith Armistead
August 24, 2021 12:45 pm
We may have only known Sheila for too few years, but that beautiful, gentle soul of hers reached out and touched our hearts. Sharing and helping others defined her. Hands always busy. Her legacy to us is seen in the garden beds of shared plants, our pantry with her wonderful preserves, and the memories of her arrival at our backdoor with a bootful of produce.
It is her time to rest now. She will always have a special place in our hearts.
Our condolences to Jock, Catherine and family
Tricia & David JukesAugust 23, 2021 4:27 pm
This beautiful lady wasn't just a aunty to me, she was my beautiful God mother to me.
Im going to miss our chats and cups of tea, she always looked forward to seeing me pop in with the kids and them playing with bluey throwing the ball back and forth.
She was always in her lovely garden and veggie garden , sorting out flowers to put in vases and sending me home with veggies and chasing them geese up the drive way, she was always on the go.
We are going to miss you dearly, won't be the same without you.
Deepest sympathy to Andrew and Catherine and families .
R.I.P my beautiful God mother
Love you always and forever
Sarah , Riley, Nadia and Logan.
(God daughter)August 23, 2021 1:14 pm
I am writing this on behalf of my Mum Carol McDonnell who was a great friend of Shielas. We moved to Gellibrand in 1982 next door to Sheila and Donald. Mum and Sheila soon become from friends sharing a love of gardening, cooking, swapping recipes and getting involved in the local community.
Sheila was always there for a chat, a sympathetic ear, a cuppa and a slice of home made cake. Mum and Sheila played cards with other women in the community forming a group that would last many years. In between working on the farm Sheila also lent a helping hand to anyone in need in the community often rallying support for others in time of need. Mum and Sheila occasionally went on bus trips to Melbourne which Sheila loved. Sheila was a big part of the Gellibrand community, hard working, generous and a great and loyal friend to Mum. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.August 22, 2021 4:41 pm
Your incredibly warm welcome, generosity and amazing range of skills including blueberry propagation makes you an amazing person who will be greatly missed! Your impact will be felt many years to come. You were a "pocket rocket" who always smiled through adversity. Now Jock will have to learn how to make a cup of tea!
With love David and Chris LeanAugust 22, 2021 10:13 am
Some of my favourite memories with Grandpa heading down to see Aunty Sheila, Catherine and Andrew in Gelibrand. Such a generous and kind soul. I'm sure her spirit and beautiful memories over such a long and fruitful time will carry on with everyone who was lucky enough to be in her life. Our condolences to Catherine, Andrew & family in this tough time. Lots of love and big hugs - Simon, James, Max & Lara Kelly
August 22, 2021 10:08 am
Was saddened to hear the passing of your mum. Aunty Shelia was not my actual auntie but we all knew her as Auntie Shelia and knew she was always a kind and generous person. Such a quiet lady who was a constant visitor to our home growing up, as we were to her home. I can still see my mum and Auntie Sheila sitting at the kitchen table drinking copious amounts of tea and "fixing" the worries of the world.
My heartfelt sympathy to both Catherine and Andrew during this most difficult time.
Barbara Kiesel (Pearce)
August 21, 2021 7:54 pm
It’s hard to believe such a sweet and generous force of energy and enthusiasm has passed. We thank Sheila for sharing parts of her life with us - the knitted gifts for our babies, and from her combined efforts with Jock, huge root vegetables, preserves and our little yellow toddler push trolley. No one beat her at trifle making. R.I.P. dear Sheila. Deep Sympathy to Jock and your family xo
August 21, 2021 10:38 am
Oh Cathy- such a shock to read this news on Facebook. I was only thinking about your Mum the other day and planned to visit her again when permitted. My thoughts are with you and your family. RIP dear Sheila. Lesley x
August 20, 2021 11:25 pm
Sheila we are sad that you have left us. You were an inspiration in the way you lived your life. You left a great example for the younger generations. Thank you for that and all the parcels you would leave at the door for the kids, and the fabulous chutneys and all the chats and cups of tea in your lounge room. We will miss you.
Love Belinda, Stu, Elli, Charlie and Joseph GardinerAugust 20, 2021 8:52 pm
Dearest Sheila, you were a star ! Our lives have been enriched as a resault of our friendship : you will be greatly missed . All the wonderful things people are saying about you, are so true; you were such a kind loving person. Jane loved you dearly. You had a great life ! Sorry we didn't know you earlier. Love from Jonathan and Jane.
August 20, 2021 10:21 am
Such fond memories of Sheilah right back to when she worked at the Gellibrand P.O.Such a bubbly,happy ,beautiful little lady.Deepest sympathy to Catherine and Andrew.
August 19, 2021 9:01 pm
Very fond memories of Sheila from our years of living in Gellibrand. Sincere condolences to Catherine and family and Andrew (Charles).
Ken Hanson and family.
August 19, 2021 7:16 pm
To Cathy and Andrew (Jock). I was saddened to hear of Sheila’s death. A lovely lady who we met far too late in life. Cherish the good times you had together.
Love Raffie Paul Sophie & Archie💞💐August 19, 2021 7:14 pm
Many fond and treasured memories of staying at the farm in Gellibrand. Thank you Auntie Sheila for spending the time with me. We did so many things, collecting eggs, milking the cow named Silver, lots of cooking in the kitchen, (your Anzac biscuits were the best), playing lots of scrabble, Chinese Checkers and card games. Loved walking in the paddocks and watching the biggest Red Kangaroos, while herding up the cattle. Enjoyed our days in Colac, with lots of visiting, shopping and in summer time spent at the pool.
Now you can rest in peace with your beloved husband Don xx
Lynn Eldred (niece)August 19, 2021 7:08 pm
Such a wonderful and kind lady. Although not related , we called her Aunty Shelia. She was my mum's best friend (Verna Pearce) and a big part of our family growing up in Gellibrand. I have such fond memories of time spent playing with Catherine & Andrew ( Charles) on their farm.
Sending my love and sympathy to all the family on the passing of such a lovely lady.
Rest in peace Aunty Shelia.Carolyn & John Sinclair
August 19, 2021 3:50 pm
The Committee and members of LAWROC LANDCARE GROUP deeply regret the passing of one of our founding members
A quiet and caring member, there from the start, helping with fund raising by being there to help with planting the seeds, potting them out & and raising the seedlings, or painting the survey stakes for sale.
You were always welcome at her home with a cup of tea and a chat at the table. She will be greatly missed by all, but her legacy will remain with us.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Sheila’s familyAugust 19, 2021 1:45 pm
Thanks for your wonderful friendship over the years Sheila. We have many happy memories of enjoying your company, learning to knit, bake, play cards and board games. Such a lovely kind and generous person you will always be remembered in our hearts, inspiring us to grow and cook our own food and care for other people. Our sincere condolences to Jock, Catherine and all of Sheila’s family and friends, who will miss her so dearly, love Nerissa, Denis, Annalise and Natalie 💕🌿🌸Xx.
August 19, 2021 11:19 am
Thank you auntie Sheila for your kindness to Patrick and I, for always being so welcoming every time we visit you. I’ll forever treasure all the memories we’ve had, especially playing scrabble word with you until late night. So lucky to have met a lovely person like you. You’re forever in our hearts, until we meet again. ❤️
August 19, 2021 12:28 am
I’ve such great memories of Auntie Sheila down at Gellibrand farm. For many years as young kids we’d take a trip with Grandpa to the farm. We would be out for hours feeding the animals, playing in the hay, collecting eggs. So much fun
The kitchen always smelt of homemade baking. We always went home with baked goods, fresh flowers & vegetables.....she was always so delighted to see us
RIP beautiful lady xx 😘
Sharon Smith ( granddaughter of John McLennan )August 18, 2021 7:42 pm
Sheila : You had a wonderful life . You touched so many lives with your kindness and love for everyone. Rest In Peace Sheila 💐 Marg Geelong
August 18, 2021 7:34 pm
So many beautiful memories of a lovely lady. 😘😘😘
August 18, 2021 2:42 pm
Thank you for being a role model. Teaching me how to cook and cooking delicious meals for us when we came to stay. You will always be remembered as a hardworking work horse. Always in the go never resting. I will love you now, then I will love you when we meet again. Thank you for watching over me and telling Will to look after me as he had a good one. I’m so happy that I got to introduce you to him.
Bridget Eldred (great-niece)
August 18, 2021 12:07 pm
We have many fond memories of Auntie Sheila over 50 + years. She was always interested in the development of our children and grandchildren. During visits to Gellibrand nothing was too much trouble. She would stop everything, don the gumboots and off with the kids to see the cows. She will be sadly missed. David & Patricia Kelly [McLennan].
August 18, 2021 10:04 am
Sheilah, highly respected long time friend and neighbour of the late Edi Olds. Gellibrand has lost an icon with the passing of Sheilah. Our thoughts go out to Catherine and family and Andrew.
Marg Morrow and familyAugust 17, 2021 9:14 pm
angel of the otways ..RIP.
August 17, 2021 7:57 pm
To a women l loved very much, Aunty Sheilah was like a second mum to me. I have so many lovely memories to keep, the nights playing scramble and teaching us all card games. My kids loved being with Aunty Sheilah. The years we spent writing to each other l loved her handwriting she had a beautiful unique style. Showing Jeremy how to make zucchini slice, now he makes it himself.
She was a great cook loved bottling preservatives and making her own cordial. She was very self sufficient. She had such a lovely flower garden and the biggest vegetable garden imaginable. She was loved and she will be sadly missed.
Love you always JanetAugust 17, 2021 7:16 pm
A lovely English lady. So sorry to hear of Sheilah's passing.
Christine Tippins, Colac.August 17, 2021 5:33 pm