As a young woman in India, Sheila Bhatia had seen her fair share of tragedies. The separation of India and Pakistan caused her family to become refugees, and her husband passed away leaving her with three young children, including an infant who died shortly after. Then, her toddler Veena, fell and injured her spine requiring two years of hospitalization.
One of Veena’s doctors suggested Sheila consider nursing as a profession, and after graduating with flying colours, she began her nursing career in India before emigrating to England.
However, the racial discrimination she experienced there prompted a change, and after seeing an advertisement for nurses in Canada, she applied for a job at the Civic Hospital. In February 1967, she and Veena moved to Ottawa, and Sheila spent the next 18 years at the Civic until her retirement in 1985, when she began devoting her time as a volunteer at the hospital.
A decade later, Veena retired from her career as a public servant and her mother encouraged her to join her as volunteer at the Civic. The mother-daughter duo generously gave their time and philanthropic support for years until, at the age of 90 and in failing health, Sheila reluctantly hung up her blue volunteer vest after 30 years. Sadly, she passed away in 2018.
Veena continues to volunteer at the Civic each week and remains a generous donor. “The hospital has basically been our home from the time we came. It was good to us when we arrived, so volunteering and donating was how we could give back.”
