Sheila Ruth (Clifford) Maloney

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sheila Ruth Maloney (née Clifford) who passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in her sleep on November 12, 2024 at Roberta Place, Barrie, ON. She was the daughter of Laura (née Ayers) and Charles Clifford. She was the sister of Shelley(Ray Beckett)- both deceased, Sharon and Greg. She was the wife of the late Shawn Maloney (2014), mother of the late Leon and Patrick both in 2022, survived by her son Shane and foster children Tanya Comrie and Larry Bleasdale. She was a loving grandmother, great grandmother and aunt to the rest of the family here in Ontario and in British Columbia. 

Sheila was born in Dauphin, Manitoba and grew up in Victoria, B.C. She had a love and passion for art at a young age. Years later, she met her husband Shawn while he was on vacation to Victoria and they moved to Toronto, where Shawn was born. After, they bought 10 acres of land in Zephyr, ON where they raised their children, had every farm animal imaginable, a bountiful garden and a pond where many pond parties and barbecues took place. She maintained her passion for art, love of nature and people to create memorial pieces of naive art that will last forever. Her artwork has been shown all over the world, namely Ireland, England, France, Germany and Japan. 

Her art has been purchased by the Museum of Civilization, Robert McLaughlin Gallery, The Museum of Folk Art, New York, The Galerie Naifs et Primitifs, Paris, France, Wexford Arts Centre, Ireland, Famine Museum Co., Roscommon, Ireland. Most noteworthy, Sheila’s sixty paintings to commemorate the Great Irish Famine were purchased and donated to Concordia University in Montreal. Sheila was also the recipient of the Canada 125 medal for her contribution to the rise and wide success of folk art in Canada.

Sheila loved her husband, her family and her farm. She was resilient, resourceful, not afraid to share her mind, stubborn and a person who stood up for the underdog. She loved to write poetry, was a green thumb and loved a good glass of wine with good company at the local pub. She was a devout member of the Zephyr United Church. 

Sheila created her artwork that was special to each person she created it for, but little did she know that it was so special to get a piece of artwork made by her. 

We will have a Celebration of Sheila’s Life  on Saturday May 3, 2025, starting at 11:00 a.m. at Low & Low Funeral Home, Uxbridge with refreshments to follow.  In memory of Sheila, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region.

An opportunity will be provided to share a memory of Sheila and we ask all who attend to bring a piece of art made by Sheila so that we can remember what a fantastic artist she was.