Sherril (Sheri) Lynn Nielson (nee Blunden)
June 28, 1954 ~ July 14, 2022
With great sorrow we announce the unexpected passing of Sheri Nielson of a heart attack on July 14. Sheri was born in Calgary, Alberta, but after spending some time in Manitoba and the Fraser Valley (with many adventures along the way), she settled on Salt Spring Island in 1986. Sheri quickly fell in love with the Island and its community, serving in the early years as an RCMP reserve officer and working as a paramedic first responder on the Island for many years.
One of Sheri’s many talents was her ability to manifest whatever she envisioned and make it reality. Sheri was an avid gardener and foodie. She became involved in the Food Safety industry and developed a passion for researching all aspects of the industry and helping others to learn about safe practices of food handing and preparation from farm to plate. Along side this, Sheri became a certified Farm Auditor and On Farm Food Safety Advisor, helping farmers across BC and the USA to meet and maintain the standards for certification.
Sheri was a tireless worker and dreamer. Her vision was to build a sustainable food system and school with a science-based approach where she could teach others how to grow, harvest and preserve their own food. Along with her partner, Dudley, she had begun the realization of that dream on Salt Spring Island.
Sheri’s life was governed by her sense of justice, and she was a strong ally for family, friends, and farmers alike. She was everybody’s mother, everybody’s teacher, everybody’s advocate, and she did it all with passion. She had the ability to listen without judgment and lead without being overbearing; she seldom told you what do, but would guide you to discover the answers for yourself.
Sheri is survived by her long-time partner Dudley Nielson, her son Jasper Nielson, her brothers Danny and Joe Blunden, her sisters Vicki Wearmouth, Lori Haywood, Karli Blunden, and numerous extended family and friends.
At Sheri’s request, there will be no memorial service.
*Due to Sheri’s unexpected and untimely death, a GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with her estate during this difficult time. Your support would be greatly appreciated. https://gofund.me/10c635ba