Sheila was a friend to many and a much-loved aunt or great aunt to members of the Day clan. Sheila was intelligent, fun loving, caring, with wide ranging interests. She devoted her life to the well-being of the community and all its various inhabitants. She was born in 1930 and grew up Huntingdonshire, spending her life, there and in Norfolk. She also had a lovely cottage in Barmouth and spent some time in Suffolk. Her father was a well-respected solicitor and town clerk. Sadly, for Sheila (and her sister Elizabeth) their mother died when Sheila was just three. There was however a very close bond with their father. His 2nd marriage to a cousin of his first wife helped Sheila when she became seriously ill as a child. After her stepmother’s stroke and death in 1959 Sheila took on, with good grace, the home management staying with her father, until his death in 1972. By accompanying her father to functions and events Sheila developed her concern for other people and a sense of civic duty. This interest in people, society and the natural world became cornerstones to her life. The range of ‘job’ roles she held is impressive and included being lady mayoress of St Ives; sitting on the bench as magistrate for many years; taking on the role of church warden in Hemingford Abbots; becoming a commissioner of the Guides, the WI and running a ‘meals on wheels’ service. Her main paid job later in life was in an antique shop in Cambridge. Through this role she developed her existing interest in history, antiques, painters, architecture, and artifacts. Growing up near the river with a family stepped in rowing, boats were bound to feature of her life! Her passion as a young woman was sailing. The purchase of the cabin cruiser ‘Claudia’ brought great joy to her, her father, and all members of her extended family as we would set off to explore the Fens by water. The natural world was the backdrop to many adventures. All through her life she enjoyed the countryside and walking her beloved dogs (of which she had a number) gave scope to learn native plants, birds, butterflies, and the like. As well as building a small-scale arboretum in the field, she designed and developed gardens in the various houses where she lived. She loved nothing better in her last years sitting in and inspecting the garden she developed with Maryann. She was always happy visiting houses and gardens, taking holidays to do just that. Exploring the family history gave her great pleasure, tracking down the Welsh side of the family was an important element, and it was through this connection that she applied for and got tickets for her and her sister to go to Carnarvon for the Investiture of the Price of Wales. She developed a love of rugby and was a very keen supporter of Wales. Indeed, she enjoyed many sports and in later life gained great pleasure from watching the Olympics, the six nations, and tennis. Her strong Christian values came from her home life and the example set to her by her father and wider family. Her conversion to Catholicism in later life gave her a sense of peace and well-being. As a young woman Sheila learnt to love travelling, something passed on to her by her father, and they traveled together to many places over his lifetime. A trip around the world in her late teens with her aunt was something she always remembered with joy, telling tall tales of what occurred! She continued to travel abroad well into her 80’s  which were always well researched and planned. It was through the local church that Sheila met Maryann, who had recently arrived in this country from Tanzania. A strong friendship blossomed and in keeping with Sheila’s character she offered Maryann a home. A wonderful mutual relationship developed which gave so much pleasure and happiness to both Sheila and Maryann. For Sheila watching Maryann graduate with her degree was a very special moment. It was thanks to this relationship that Sheila lived a fun filled life to the end. Thank you Sheila for all you did for us and other people Love Janet and Maryann.