Obituary of Sheila Patricia Brandy

Sheila P. Brandy, a strong, vibrant, and outgoing, wife, mother, grandmother, and business owner, died on Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Toronto. She was 85. Sheila was born in Orillia, Ontario, where she met the man of her dreams, Stuart C. Brandy. They were married in 1955 and began a wonderful 56-year journey together. A year later they moved to Leamington, Ontario, where son David and daughter Kimberley were born. A move to Toronto in 1963, was the start of an incredible life for Sheila’s young family on a quiet cul-du-sac in Willowdale, where cherished life-long friendships were made. That same year Sheila and Stuart welcomed their second daughter Tracey.

Sheila was an amazing host for neighbourhood parties, BBQ’s, and her Bridge Club companions. Volunteering at the Oxfam Store in Cumberland Terrace gave Sheila her first taste of life in retail. In 1977 Stuart and Sheila purchased a cottage in Muskoka, and thus began an amazing family adventure that carries on to this day.

A move to Ottawa, Ontario, that same year brought about big changes for the Brandy family as David stayed behind to continue his studies at Ryerson while Kim and Tracey moved to the nation’s capital. While in Ottawa, Sheila blossomed into her future career in retail becoming a Co-Manager of the Pepper Pot store in the Byward Market.

In 1988 Sheila became the owner of The Crockery Barn store on Yonge Street in Toronto. Once again, all the Brandys were reunited in Toronto. For the next 18 years Sheila and Tracey built up the Crockery Barn into a well-known source for kitchen and housewares items. A satellite store in Port Carling, Ontario, became a popular summer stop for cottagers.

Sheila and Stuart adored their beloved cottage on Bass Lake, to the extent that they would drive six hours from Ottawa just to spend the weekend! You would always find Sheila in her favourite chair in the sun on the dock. Sheila was a trend-setter in fashion, always wearing the latest styles in clothing and jewelry. Both she and Stuart loved “antiquing” and amassed quite a collection of furniture and curios. Sheila’s recipe card box reflected her desire to innovate with food. Her family was subjected to many new dishes they had never tried before. We especially remember having nachos before any of our friends ever did.

Sheila always had a welcoming smile for you and loved to chat any time with family, friends, and customers. And watch out when one of her favourite Motown songs came on the radio, because that meant she was about to sing and dance!

Sheila is survived by her three children: David and his partner Jeannie, and Kim and her husband John, and Tracey and her husband Simon. Cherished grandmother to Eliza, Emma, Spencer, and Matthew. Sheila was predeceased by Stuart in 2011.

A celebration for Sheila will be held at a future time. Donations to Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital in memory of Sheila are welcomed by the family.

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