Sheila Smart, formerly of Ripley, dies at the age of 59

Sheila Marie Smart (nee Osborne) of Meaford, formerly of Ripley, died peacefully, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Chapman House, with family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 59.

Born March 4, 1966, in Kincardine Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Muriel (Scott) Osborne of Ripley.

Beloved wife of Garry Smart of Meaford for 28 years.

Loving sister of Joyce Osborne of Ripley, Joan Vincent (Neil) of Wingham, and Kevin Osborne of Ripley.

Treasured aunt of Margaret Vincent (Gerald Fess) of Hanover and the late Shannon Vincent; and cherished niece of Doug Wrightson of Port Elgin, Norma Hartwick of Ripley, and Ray and Liz Pennington of Teeswater.

Predeceased by Garry’s parents, Raymond and Kathleen (Wyville) Smart.

Greatly missed by Ina Alexander, and George and Pauline Wyville of Meaford; as well as many cousins and extended family.

Sheila grew up in Ripley, and attended Ripley-Huron Central Public School, Ripley District School and Kincardine and District Secondary School. She was a Class of 1989 graduate from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Agriculture Business.

She worked for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Exeter, Elmira, Hanover and Owen Sound, followed by a time working for Co-operators Insurance in Meaford. She was thrilled to get her dream job of working from home with Libro Credit Union.

Over the years, Sheila volunteered faithfully with many agricultural organizations. She was a 4-H leader, president and secretary-treasurer of the Ontario Limousin Association, Meaford and St. Vincent Agricultural Society director, a member of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists, and a Grown in Grey committee member.

Thanks to Dr. Allan, Dr. Aboo and the oncology staff at Brightshores Health System and Royal Victoria Hospital, the Meaford Hospital staff and Chapman House staff and volunteers.

Cremation has taken place.

A private family service will take place Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a casual celebration of Sheila’s life at the Meaford Community Centre, Saturday April 12, 2025, from 1-4 p.m., with tributes at 2 p.m.

As expression of sympathy, donations to the Ontario Junior Limousin Association or Chapman House Hospice would be appreciated, arrangements entrusted to the Ferguson Funeral Home, Meaford; www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca.