Sheila Bardwell

Sheila Kay Bardwell (nee Smith) passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.  She was 87 years old.

Born Dec. 17, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN, to Alden and Helen Smith, Sheila was the loving wife of the late Robert; beloved mother of the late Robert (Teresa) and Bryan (Christine); cherished grandmother to Cameron (Kristen) Bone and Dylan (Whitney) Bardwell; dearest sister to Sallie Knect; and adored aunt to Karen, David, Kathy, and Pam Knect.

A natural beauty and radiant redhead who won many beauty contests, the young Sheila is remembered as the "Flame Queen," winner of a local Minneapolis fire department contest.  When Robert saw the Flame Queen, he fell in love and they were happily married in 1955.  The couple moved to Golden, CO, where they raised Robert and Bryan.  Once the boys were grown, Sheila decided it was her time to make a living and spent many years as a highly successful real estate agent in the Golden/Genesee area.

Sheila treasured nature, animals, and the arts.  She enjoyed walking her dogs, gathering with friends, traveling, and writing poetry. At family holiday gatherings, Sheila cleverly handwrote poems describing the gifts to be opened, making the time together special and memorable.

A devoted volunteer, she donated her time to the Denver Dumb Friends League and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. At DMNS, she was an active docent for many years.  Her favorite exhibit featured the history of the Aztecs, and she enjoyed illuminating the ancient culture for visitors.

Her love for animals was something she shared in other ways: picketing Denver furrier stores and driving up and down I-70 flipping off hunters returning from the high country with their kill.

Later in life Sheila met the late Raymond Shaw at a Denver dance studio.  They quickly fell for each other, became loving soulmates, and spent several incredible years traveling and dancing the Tango.

We love and cherish Sheila. She was “one of a kind” and we will miss her vibrant presence every day.

In memory of Shelia, donations can be made to The Wild Animal Sanctuary https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org or the Foothills Animal Shelter https://foothillsanimalshelter.org

Memories and condolences can be shared by visiting the Tribute Wall.