Sheila used to live her life by the motto "it's better to give than to receive" and her generosity with her time provided invaluable support to a number of people throughout her life. Over the years the stories the family have been told how Sheila impacted other people's lives are now a great comfort for the family.

One example of this when she worked in the restaurant, even though she had 2 children, she always worked Christmas day because she said that her children was blessed with a family, some of these patients had no family at all and she wanted to let them know that they had not been forgotten - even if it was only Christmas dinner - But that was Sheila's nature.

Gerald and Sheila had been together 60 years, 7 years courting and 53 married and they set a shining example of unconditional love to see a marriage through good times and bad times. Sheila was a wonderful wife and a loving mother. She was kind, caring, smart, funny, and sometimes even a little mischievous. Gerald has now lost his wife and best friend and he will always remember the joy she brought to him. and will hold her memory close to his hearts and will treasure her forever.

Sheila used to love ironing and iron away she would and she would pretend to be upset that there none left to do - Sheila used to iron everything including underwear, towels and socks. As children Anthony and Maria took great delight in telling people that their mum didn't wear creased knickers.

Sheila used to love to play bingo  and played regardless of the prizes. She used to go the Irish Centre with her friend Christine and the prizes were things like T-bags and sugar, and if she won, she wouldn't be bothered - all she would say is "well at least I will have enough to make the street a brew"

On the night Sheila passed away - the nurse said to Maria - you have to remember that your mum was 73 years old and Maria looked at the nurse and simply said you didn't know my mum

The mum who camped outside the Manchester Apollo with myself and Maria for Ronan Keating tickets so we could get front row seats. And the mum who peed behind a bush that very night and the mum who was wrapped up soooo very tight in blankets that so all you could see was her eyes and earned the nickname The Little Orphan.

The mum who tried to do the hula hoop on the Nintendo Wii and fell about laughing, so much so she had a stitch in her side.

The mum who tried not to worry when Anthony was 5 minutes late home from work and the mum who phoned Maria all the time to ensure she was ok.

And the mum who loved their dad with all her heart even after 60 years.

So she might of been 73 years old in age but in spirit she was 21 years old full of life, laughter and fun.

Sheila once told Anthony and Maria after the passing of their Nanna, her mum - that the stars in the sky are your nanna letting you know she is near and so now when you look into the sky and see the brightest star, be at peace, Sheila is near and watching over you.

Sheila was a lovely wonderful lady who was taken from us too soon but will leave a lasting memory in every single one of us.

But not only with she live on in us - Sheila's last wish was given to her - she wanted to be an organ donor, Gerald, Anthony and Maria-Ann received a lovely letter last week saying that Sheila had helped 4 people from the precious gift of organ donation. In the mist of all the grief and sadness - this brought the family a ray of sunshine knowing even after death - Sheila is doing the thing she did best - helping people.

So on behalf of Gerald, Anthony and Maria-Ann I would like to say thank you for coming here today to help them as a family celebrate a beloved wife and a devoted mum.

 

RIP Sheila