Brigadier-General (Retired) Sheila Anne Hellstrom CD, BSc, LLD, a proud Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) veteran and the first Canadian woman to reach the military rank of Brigadier General, passed away in Ottawa, Ontario on December 7, 2020.
The daughter of Albinus and Dorothy (Née Zinck) Hellstrom, Sheila was born January 15, 1935 in Lunenburg, NS and graduated from Lunenburg County Academy in 1953. Her dream to pursue a military career began during the Second World War after hearing many stories about military life from the Norwegian sailors located at Camp Norway, a military training base in Lunenburg.
In 1954, Sheila joined the RCAF University Reserve Officer Training Plan at Mount Allison University. Sheila graduated from Mount Allison with a Bachelor of Science (BSc), majoring in Biology.
In 1956, Sheila was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer and started off her RCAF career in Manitoba as Gimli Station Services Officer. Across her 36 years of service to her country, she completed numerous postings and assignments. In 1973, then Major Hellstrom became the first military woman to attend the Canadian Forces Staff College in Toronto. In 1980, she became the Deputy Director Women Personnel and supported and monitored the Service Women in Non-Traditional Employment and Roles (SWINTER) trials.
Sheila continued to make military history when, on June 19, 1987, she became the first woman to achieve the rank of Brigadier-General and assumed the role of Director General Military Personnel. Brigadier-General Hellstrom’s career culminated in 1989 with a much-loved assignment as Chair of the Committee on Women in the NATO Forces. In the same year, she was also bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Mount Allison University, her cherished alma mater.
After her military retirement in 1990, Sheila continued to champion the recruitment and full integration of military women by serving on the Minister of National Defence’s Monitoring Committee on Change until 1994. Brigadier-General Hellstrom also worked and volunteered for many other government and local agencies. Highlights include 22 years with the Ottawa Division, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires in such roles as Board Chair and 5 years as advisor to the Ottawa Police Services Board for women in police services, race relations and employment equity issues. Often described as a “trail-blazer”, throughout her life Sheila demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transformation, diversity and inclusivity.
Sheila was also an active and proud member of the Canadian Nordic Society, a salute to her father’s family from the Aland Islands of Finland. Sheila was also a lover of opera, travelling throughout North America and Europe to enjoy live opera.
An Interment Service will also be held in Lunenburg, NS on October 16, 2021.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BGEN (RET’D) SHEILA HELLSTROM
Padre Don Collar
Chaplain Leads Procession:
“ I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25
Processional Music – Marietta’s Lied
Call to Worship:
" I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Prayer of Invocation
Chaplain - Welcome and Introductory Statements
Eulogy – VCDS – LGen Francis Allen
Eulogy – Comd RCAF – LGen Al Meinzinger
Eulogy – Family – Sgt Richard Akerstrom
Eulogy – Nordik Society – Ms Karin Birnbaum
Musical Selection – Guldet Blev Till Sand
Eulogy – Commissionaires Ottawa – Assistant Commissioner (RCMP) Al Burchill (Ret’d)
Eulogy – Pers Admin Branch – Capt (N) Ret’d Judith Harper
Musical Selection – Puccini – Tosca
Tribute from Volunteers – Capt(N) Ret’d Louise Siew
Journal Reflections – Col Heather Thorne-Albright
Video Presentation
Scripture Reading - Psalm 130 plus selected verses
Prayer
Homily
Benediction
Invitation to Reception by Chaplain
Recessional Music – Cavalleria Rusticana
Digital Guestbook
DACE JOHANSON
Marie-Claude
Thank you for breaking many barriers and pave the way to many women in the CAF.
Dot Cooper, Colonel (Ret'd)
Sincerest condolences to Sheila's family and friend's. The first time I met then LCol Hellstrom was in 1975. I was a Private serving with the Military Police in Calgary, and Sheila was representing the office of the Director of Women's Personnel. From that first meeting, BGen Hellstrom became one of my role models and was certainly a trail blazer. Sheila will be missed and always remembered. A life of service well lived.
Clover Hemans
Thank you for your inspirational leadership and indeed paving the way for women in the military. As a Past President of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada, I salute your drive, aptitude and fortitude. RIP.
RAdm Rebecca Patterson
A transformational Champion for Women who, against overwhelming challenges, gave women a voice and a place in a modern Canadian Armed Forces. I am honoured to be one of a growing cadre of intrepid women who are a product of her efforts and am humbled to have a small role to play in continuing to move her legacy forward. She will never to be forgotten. Rest In Peace.
Kay McGinnis
Sincere condolences to friends and family who are missing Sheila. I don’t think I would know about BGen Hellstrom’s career and contributions if it weren’t for family ties, and I hope that changes. The more I learn about her rich life, the more inspired I am. I am grateful to Sheila and to the volunteers and institutions who are ensuring her legacy will be preserved to inspire future generations. May she Rest In Peace.
General (Ret'd) Paul Manson
Sheila Hellstrom was a remarkable and history-making military officer whose many contributions to the Canadian Forces and to Canada were so well-deserved and rightly acknowledged. A truly great lady.
Dee Brasseur, Major (Ret'd) CM, CD2
A tremendous woman and outstanding leader! I will always remember taking Sheila for lunch on the day of the announcement of her promotion to Brigadier General... a trail blazer, kind, gentle and compassionate example of how to lead from your heart through your head. RIP my friend and mentor
Shirley E. Greenberg, CM, OOnt.
I was privileged to work with Sheila as a member of the Board appointed by the Minister of
Defence to monitor the position of women in the Canadian Armed Forces, from 1989 to 1991. See insight and experience during this exercise was invaluable.
LGen Al Meinzinger
An amazing trail-blazer within the RCAF. It was an honour to speak during her memorial service. She paved the way for so many! RIP
I used to speak to Brig. Gen. Sheila at the CNS Speaker Evenings at the Army Officer’s Mess. She always walked in with a cane. This week I met her nephew at a dinner who flew in from Sweden.
A distinguished Woman.