Born: 1935 (Lunenburg, Nova Scotia)
Died: 2020
Biography:
Sheila Anne Hellstrom CD (January 15, 1935 December 7, 2020) was a Canadian Forces officer who became the first woman in the regular force to achieve the rank of brigadier-general in 1987, as well as being the first woman to graduate from Canadian Forces College.
Hellstrom was born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1935. Her father was Albinus Hellstrom, and her mother, Dorothy Hellstrom née Zinck. She was baptized in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and attended Lunenburg County Academy, graduating in 1953. At the Academy, Hellstrom consistently led her classes, becoming known for her academic achievements.
She developed an interest in the military after hearing stories told by Norwegian sailors who visited her family home from Camp Norway during World War II. Inspired by their experiences, Hellstrom enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) University Reserve Training Plan in 1954 at the age of 19. Two years later, in 1956, she graduated from Mount Allison University with a bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.
After completing her education, Hellstrom was promoted to flying officer and served as a station services officer in RCAF Station Gimli, Manitoba. Over the next decade, she held various positions as a personnel administrations officer in Toronto, Montreal, St. Hubert, North Bay, and Ottawa. Her dedication and abilities led to her promotion to flight lieutenant in 1962.
In 1973, Hellstrom attended the Canadian Forces Staff College in Toronto. Three years later, in 1976, she was promoted to lieutenant colonel and became a delegate to the Committee on Women in the NATO forces. With her promotion to colonel in 1983, Hellstrom was appointed as the director of women personnel, playing a crucial role in advocating for the advancement and equal opportunities for women within the Canadian Forces.
In 1985, Hellstrom faced a significant challenge when the Department of National Defence’s Charter Task Force sought to challenge the equity provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. She was appointed as the acting director-general conditions of service to address these concerns. Continuing her trajectory of success, Hellstrom achieved a groundbreaking milestone on January 27, 1987, when she became the first woman in the regular force to achieve the rank of brigadier-general. She took on the role of director-general for personnel, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to the Canadian Forces.
Hellstrom’s commitment to her profession and her pioneering contributions were recognized and acknowledged throughout her career. She received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Canadian Forces Decoration with a 2nd Clasp and the Special Service Medal with a NATO bar. In 1988, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Zonta Club of Charlottetown, further testament to her significant impact on women’s history.
Throughout her career, Hellstrom worked tirelessly for the recruitment and integration of women into the Canadian Forces. She was dedicated to breaking down gender barriers and creating equal opportunities for women in the military. Her achievements and leadership have left a lasting and impactful legacy within the Canadian Forces and have paved the way for future generations of women in the military.
Awards:
– Canadian Forces Decoration, 2nd Clasp
– Special Service Medal, NATO bar
– Woman of the Year, Zonta Club of Charlottetown (1988)