Sheila passed away peacefully with her family at her side on November 15, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her mother Mary, and leaves with loving memories: her husband Kim Michasiw, daughter Miriam, father Leo, sister Diana, stepmother Jan Peters, mother-in-law Barbara Michasiw, brothers-in-law Ralph Mueller and Mark Michasiw (Sandra), nieces Sophie and Lydia Mueller, nephews Eugene and Ian Michasiw, intimate friends Sheila Penney, Karen Boersma, Barbara Howson, and Kevin Rowe. Sheila also leaves aunts, uncles and cousins in Newfoundland, who will miss her dearly, and much loved colleagues at Groundwood Books and House of Anansi Press.

Special thanks to the nursing and medical staff of St. Michael’s and Mt. Sinai Hospitals and to friend and caregiver, Maggie O’Brien.

Sheila was born in Labrador City and grew up in St. John's. She obtained a music degree at Memorial University and a PhD in English Literature at York University. She has been publisher of Groundwood Books since 2012. During those years Groundwood achieved international recognition, including multiple Governor-General awards, a Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publisher of the Year for North America, and 4 inclusions on the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's’ Books list. Sheila’s greatest achievement, however, was the joy and laughter she shared with her daughter Miriam, and with so many others.
Cremation has taken place. A ceremony to celebrate her life shall be announced later. Donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross.