Sr. Sheila (Cecilia Sheila) Gallagher

Born in 1925 in Cashel, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland, Sr. Sheila came to the United States as a young woman. She became a US citizen in 1952. Sr. Sheila entered the Little Sisters of the Assumption in 1958 and made her final vows in 1966 in Haverford, Pennsylvania. In her 63 years of Religious Life she served in New York, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

Sr. Sheila is survived by her nieces, Rosemary Boyle, Marsa Gallagher, Marian McGrath, Josephine Campbell, her nephew Joseph Breslin and numerous grandnieces/nephews. 

She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Rose( McGill) Gallagher, her brothers; Edward Gallagher,  Patrick Gallagher  and John Gallagher, her sisters; Annie Breslin,  Rose McGill, Bridget Gallagher Mary Gallagher, Teresa Campbell Eileen  Gallagher and Kathleen Gallagher.

Sr. Sheila brought her kind, warm and welcoming presence to each person she met. She loved being surrounded by people, often  a light in the dark, always steady and there in her own quiet way. Her deep love of mission called her to respond to the needs of people. She decided to become a beautician to cut hair in East Harlem , NY and strongly advocated for the homeless in Newburgh, NY; working with others to create the first shelter at the Newburgh Ministry. She was a practical woman; an excellent seamstress who could repair just about anything and hemmed many a pair of pants.  She was an expert at removing spots on clothing!! She used her creative gifts to lead craft groups where she formed loving relationships with all participants. Each encounter  made you feel special. Sr. Sheila loved a good scrabble game and was known at times to nudge the game in her favor! The Irish sparkle in her eyes and her welcoming spirit will remain forever in our hearts.

Viewing and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 23rd at 10:30am at Marie Esther Health Center, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752. Proof of vaccination required for attendance. 

Burial will be Monday July 26th  at 11am , St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery, Gardiner, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Little Sisters of the Assumption 137 Endicott St. Worcester, MA 01610

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