Sheila Maureen Noyes

1946 - 2025

 

On December 5th, 2025 Sheila left this world peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved her most. After a lifetime of hard work, laughter, and love, she was welcomed into Heaven by those who had gone before her— Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing that when she stepped into Heaven, she walked into the arms of those she loved and missed for so long: Sheila is now reunited with her beloved soulmate Paul, her parents Jim and Lila Samson, her dearest friends Kathy, Larry, Joanne, Shelley and favorite fur baby Harley. Though she is no longer here, the legacy she created lives on—in the memories she made, the lessons she taught, and the countless lives she touched. Sheila faced life with courage, love, humor, and just enough sass to keep everyone on their toes— even surviving cancer with a strength that inspired everyone around her.

 

Sheila was born and raised in Washington, where her roots were planted deeply, where she learned the values of hard work and loyalty. Sheila’s spirit was shaped by its beauty, its community, and its sense of home. Throughout her life, she lived between the Pacific Northwest and California, building a lifetime of memories and friendships. She worked many years and retired from Advo Systems in Kent, Washington, where she made lasting friendships.

 

Sheila absolutely loved being outdoors—especially fishing and camping where she found her peace and joy. Lake Trask was her happy place: fresh air, quiet mornings, and the thrill of seeing what might bite the line. If Heaven has a lake, Sheila has already claimed her favorite spot.

 

Sheila loved tending to her gardens, nurturing life with her hands the same way she nurtured people and pets with her heart. She ALWAYS cheered passionately for her beloved Seattle Seahawks and Mariners, even when they tested her patience (which they often did). She loved playing cards, especially Five Crowns where her competitive streak and playful teasing kept everyone on their toes, dramatic sighs, and whispered “how did she do that?” from losing players was her true joy.

 

Sheila had a special gift for speaking the truth—If Sheila said it, she meant it. Sheila lived fully, loved fiercely, and left enough love—and laughter—to carry all of us forward. She may no longer be here to deal the cards, tell the stories or deliver the perfectly timed sass—but her heart, her humor, and her unmatched spirit will stay with us forever.

 

Above all, she cheered loudly for her family. They were the center of her world, her greatest blessing, and her proudest accomplishment. Sheila gave the world her love, and she left enough to last generations. She is survived by her daughters Patricia Canzler and Kathleen McCoy, who carry her strength, her compassion, and her remarkable spirit within them. Her favorite son-in-law Mick, whom she loved like her own son, and her beloved Annie- whom Sheila claimed not by birth but by a bond, it was cherished and genuine, Sheila loved her beyond words.

 

Momma for our whole lives, until 36 years ago when we unlocked the best version of her yet- “Grandma”

 

Her amazing grandchildren Alexis, (Cymon) Trevin and Sidney (Logan) were the lights of her life; she made each one feel seen and important. She loved them fiercely, laughed with them endlessly, and made sure each one knew they were deeply, unconditionally loved. Her beloved great-grandchildren—Aunix, Autzen, Atlas, Aurland, Albie and Lincoln, They were treasured pieces of her heart. They all brought her immeasurable joy, and she delighted in watching her family grow through them.

 

She is also survived by her brother Jimmy (Brat) Samson, sister-in-law Michelle, niece Sheana Conway and family, nephews James Samson Jr. and family, and Kenny Osborne and family. Sheila held a special love for each one. Her circle of cherished friends—including Debbie Ketner, Sandy Nickey, Phyllis Hoefer and Dewey & Shannon Doltar -They were an important part of her life, as was her continued kindness for her former husband, Jim. She will be deeply missed by anyone lucky enough to know her. Her kindness was genuine. Sheila was a rare gift:

 

Her legacy? Simple. Sheila didn’t just live life She was one of a kind—She would say….Do as I say, not as I do! It’s not about who’s right, it's about doing what’s right! Work hard, play hard! Make today AWESOME! Never get so busy making a living; you forget to make a life! Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but also a lifetime of memories that will make us smile and laugh forever! We LOVED her wicked sense of humor! Her extraordinary quick wit and knowledge of trivia still amazes us… Thankful to have gotten her genes! Seriously at 79 not a gray hair on her head and the legs of a twenty year old!

 

Sheila’s story does not end here. It lives on in her children and grandchildren. It lives on in the laughter she inspired. It lives on in all the hearts she shaped. It lives on in every person whose life she touched with her beautiful spirit. And because of that, she will never truly be gone.

 

And let’s be honest: Heaven is about to get a lot more fun! In honor of Sheila, do a random act of kindness today, Smile often, and remember that life’s dash is short— It’s not the cars, the house, the cash- But how you live, how you love, And how you spend your dash.

 

Losing our matriarch has left a profound void in our family. Her absence brings immense pain and humbles us deeply, as we reflect on the legacy she left behind. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, her presence and the roles she held shaped the very foundation of our family. In our grief, we find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain, and that understanding helps us begin to heal.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, as well as Kaiser Permanente in Puyallup, and the team at Hospice House in University Place for the extraordinary care, compassion, and support they gave to our mother, Sheila, during her final days. The wonderful owners of Happy Donuts in Puyallup. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

 

Our hearts break for this new stage of life without her. She has promised she would still be around, sending little signs from heaven. So when you see a hummingbird, butterfly, dragonfly, ladybug, beautiful sunset or rainbow- know that she is saying hello, reminding you she’s still with us. Keeping her spirit alive in our hearts as we move forward.

 

❤ Today we celebrate Her and what a wonderful woman she was! We will forever remember her love and thank God we had her. My beautiful Momma, Our most wonderful Grandma Sheila……literally the strongest woman we’ve ever known……79 years young and truly the light of our lives…..now the brightest star dancing in the sky. ❤

 

Love you always,

until we meet again.

 

In accordance with Sheila’s wishes, her ashes will be scattered in places that held special meaning to her, including a memorial gathering next summer at Mount Rainier National Park, as well as in Hawaii, Florida and at Lake Trask.