Obituary of Virtue Beurling

Sheila Virtue Beurling (née Holmes) passed away peacefully at The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus on April 26, 2026, at the age of 90. Virtue went home to be with her Lord and Saviour surrounded by the love of her family who treasured and cared for her

Virtue’s life was a testimony of steadfast faith, quiet strength, and enduring trust in God. Born Sheila Virtue Holmes on December 26, 1935, she was lovingly known as “Virtue” throughout her life—a name she truly lived in both word and deed. She was the second of five children born to Fred and Mary Holmes on a farm near Seeley’s Bay, Ontario. At the age of six, her family moved to a small farm in Richmond, where she grew up learning the value of hard work, family, and the goodness of God.

Virtue met and married David, and together they built a life in North Bay, Ontario, then Dorval, Pointe-Claire, and Brownsburg, Quebec. They settled in Markham, Ontario, where they raised their four children. Throughout every season of life, Virtue sought to serve faithfully, both in her home and in her work.

She began her career at the Bank of Canada and continued working in several major Canadian banks before later serving in the accounting department at Butterworths Publishing. Virtue had a strong work ethic and was known for her integrity, diligence, and attention to detail.

In later years, Virtue returned to Ottawa to be near her family. For over 22 years, she lived in the same seniors’ residence, where she became a faithful and active member of her local Free Methodist Church. Her life was marked by prayer, humility, and gratitude. She faced challenges with grace, choosing joy and trusting in God’s faithfulness.

Virtue found joy in the gifts God had given her, expressing creativity through gardening, sewing, knitting, and decoupage. She had a special ability to bring beauty to the ordinary. Virtue became especially known for her love of gardening. She took great pride in caring for the flower beds and boxes at her apartment building, transforming them into spaces of beauty that were enjoyed by many. Her dedication earned recognition from the City of Ottawa.

Virtue prayed intentionally and faithfully for each member of her family by name. Her love was rooted in Christ, and she leaves behind a legacy of faith that will continue through generations.

She was a proud and devoted mother to Anne (Alan), David (Corinne), and Heather (Dallas), and was predeceased by her son, Richard.

Virtue deeply cherished her grandchildren: Andrew; Graham (Melissa); Heather (Steven); Christina; James (Shayla); Paula (Zack); Elisabeth (Colin); Torrey (Sager); Kaylee (Jared); and April (Mathew). She was overjoyed by her great-grandchildren: Judith, Darla, Milliana, and Elliot.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sisters Violet (Robert) and Reta, her sister-in-law Marjorie, and her many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Virtue was predeceased by her parents, her sister Faith, her brother Gordon, and her brothers-in-law Gerry and John.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Virtue’s life on May 30, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Arlington Woods Free Methodist Church, 225 McClellan Rd, Nepean, with a time of visitation to follow. Interment will take place at Malakoff Cemetery.