Virginia Shemeliuk, formerly of Sandy Lake, Manitoba, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in ICU at Brandon Regional Health Center, surrounded by her family. She was born in Montréal, Québec, on September 15, 1950, and her early life was filled with the joys of growing up in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, fondly known as NDG to locals. Summers were a time of adventure at the family cabin in the Laurentians, where she and her sister Heather would swim, explore, and revel in the great outdoors.

Virginia's educational journey was marked by dedication and a quest for knowledge. She graduated from West Hill High School in Montreal in 1968, and her love for geology led her to attend McGill University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Geology. She continued her academic pursuits at the University of Manitoba, earning a Master of Science in Geology, and later a Bachelor of Education degree.

In her lifetime, Virginia explored various career paths. Starting as a geologist in Calgary, she later transitioned into the field of education, becoming a beloved teacher at Elphinstone Elementary School. Her career culminated as an administrator to local politician Inky Mark, where her passion for public service shone brightly.

Virginia was a woman of many talents and passions. She had a flair for sewing, a green thumb in the garden, and was known for her culinary expertise. Her kitchen was a place of creativity and comfort, where she shared delicious meals and baked goods with loved ones. Virginia's carpentry skills were equally impressive, a testament to her resourcefulness and determination. She had an insatiable appetite for reading, and her bookshelves were filled with a diverse array of literature.

Virginia is survived by her loving husband Edward Shemeliuk; her adoring children Rachael Shemeliuk and Glynis Shemeliuk (Colin Salmon); sister Heather Williams and brother-in-law Denis Williams. Virginia was predeceased by her parents Guy Birkett Bowen and Rosemarie Edith Amy Bowen (née Vanstone).

Virginia loved animals and cared about their welfare deeply; in lieu of flowers, please donate to your local humane society or animal shelter.