Sheila Mowbray
February 27, 1927 - November 17, 2014
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Sheila Mowbray
February 27, 1927 - November 17, 2014
Obituary
Kathleen ‘Sheila’ Mowbray, devoted wife, beloved mother, treasured grandmother was born in Manchester, England, as an only child. Her mother passed away when Sheila was just four. During the war, she was sent out of the city, with hundreds of thousands of other English children to keep them safe from the bombings. She met her husband, Gerard Mowbray (who passed away on November 5th) at a youth group at their church. They met at a St. Paddy’s day church dance so they celebrated that as the anniversary of the day they met. They married five years later. She had a special arrangement with God that she wished 4 children in the order of girl, boy, girl, boy. God granted that wish.
Sheila was a mover and a shaker. She persuaded her husband to immigrate to Montreal, Canada in 1957, to afford their young family a better opportunity. In 1966, she decided that the winters in Montreal were intolerable, so, now the Mowbrays, a family of six, moved to the San Fernando Valley. Sheila loved to be with her husband and was his temporary assistant and secretary for many years. They were inseparable and often waited anxiously for the other to return home. Sheila and Gerard later relocated to Orange County, bought a travel agency and spent many happy years organizing and escorting tours of Catholics to the Holy Land, Italy, the Continent and Ireland.
Sheila and Gerard were devout Catholics and enjoyed the community at St. John Neumann and Corpus Christi. They sang in the church choir for years.
She was very much the matriarch of the family and didn’t hesitate to state her opinion when she felt it was needed. She had a rapier wit, a great sense of fun and was sharp to the end. She was always beautifully dressed and never owned a pair of jeans.
When Gerard passed away suddenly 12 days prior to her death, she decided she wouldn’t live any longer on this earth without him. She soon joined her beloved husband of 63 years. They are now united in heaven. May they rest in peace.
11 responses to Sheila Mowbray
Allen Ananian says:
December 1, 2014
Sheila was our neighbor and friend. She was so kind to me. She always took a moment to talk and ask how I was doing. She will be missed.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
The Ananian Family
Anne-Marie and Harald Hasselmeier says:
December 7, 2014
Dear John,
We send you our heartfelt condolences to the loss of your parents.
We also are sad, but grateful, that we had the opportunity to become acquainted with Sheila and Gerard, they were great persons! For one year, they were like parents for Jurij and gave him perspectives for his life. For all this, we are very grateful. Our deepest sympathy to you, dear John, and your family, wish you all the best.
Sheila Caporaso says:
December 13, 2014
Dear Catherine, Peter, Diane, and John,
I had been thinking about Sheila this morning, and on a whim decided to look her up online. Funny how spirit touches you at just the right time … What a way to find out she had passed away so recently, and your father too. I wish I had been able to talk to her just one last time … My memories of Sheila came flooding back, so fresh, and now so dear. I am grateful to have known and shared time and part of my life with your family, and been the second “Sheila Mowbray” for a while. I share your loss for your mother and father. My heart goes out to you all at this sad time. Having almost lost my own life in early 2003, I was given a book to read by Brian L. Weiss, called “Many Lives, Many Masters”. This book changed how I look at life and what comes after … This book might help you find some comfort at this sad time … Your parents will always be with you …
All my love,
Sheila (Mowbray) Caporaso
Walter Hickey says:
September 29, 2015
My dear old friends:
As I had been looking for a contact for my old friend Peter I came across the announcement of the loss of your parents. They were always so warm and hospital to me when I visited your home in Tarzana. Your mother and father welcomed me as part of the family. I remember enjoying conversations with them and insights that shaped my formative high school years.
I remember them as wonderful parents and you as wonderful friends. Mary and Pat Hickey went on to their final resting over 20 years ago. I’m sure they met up with your parents in the here after.
Hope to catch up with you sometime.
God bless you all.
Walt Hickey
Izabella Hopper says:
November 16, 2015
Sent a gift in memory of Sheila Mowbray