Sheila McCloskey (O'Hara)

Submitted on February 8th, 2021
Date of Death: 
February 7th, 2021

Shelia was born in a small town In County Sligo Ireland during the Great Depression. Growing up in the rural west of Ireland, schoolwork, the Catholic Church, faith and family were the the pillars of her childhood. Sheila was a bright, hardworking student and after graduating high school she earned a chance to study at a culinary institute in the capital city of Dublin and later worked at the International Hotel there getting to meet travelers from all over the globe. This experience led to her seeking opportunity in America, the land of opportunity, traveling to the U.S alone by ship in 1957, leaving behind her 8 siblings and her parents in Ireland. Shelia found work with numerous companies in Philadelphia, including Horn and Hardarts, Food Fair and Einstein Hospital, but her faith and family always remained the center of her universe. Shelia was a devoted wife to her husband Jim, whom she met while attending dances at Irish Social clubs in Philadelphia, a loving and nurturing mom to Maureen, Jim, Colleen and Kevin, doting grandmother to Brigid, Jimmy and Fiona and great grandson Rory. Sheila was a longtime Eucharistic Minister at both St Ambrose Parish and later in BVM Parish, where she did volunteer work long after retiring. Sheila will be long remembered by friends and family as a warm and welcoming soul who consistently gave the same advice when faced with a problem....in her soft Irish brogue the answer was always “Say a prayer and have faith”. Relatives and friends are invited to call Saturday February 13, 2021 from 9-10am at the Maternity B.V.M. Church 9220 Old Bustleton Ave. Phila. Pa. 19115. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am. Interment will follow at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery,

Memories and Condolences

Submitted by Kelly Mccloskey on February 8th, 2021.
#1
My thoughts,prayers and love are with uncle jimmy,colleen,Jim, kevin and the entire family. Aunt Sheila was a beautiful and kind soul. A matriarch of the family.
Submitted by Barbara Jean on February 8th, 2021.
#2
My thoughts, prayers and so much love are with you, my godfather, Uncle Jim and my cousins Jim, Colleen and Kevin. Aunt Sheila was a remarkable lady and will be missed terribly. Forever in my heart. Love you all so much.
Submitted by Sue Tiernan on February 8th, 2021.
#3
So sorry to hear about your loss. Sheila was a beautiful woman, inside and out.
Submitted by John O’Hara on February 9th, 2021.
#4
I heard the sad and sudden news about Aunt Sheila through the O’Hara grapevine (my own sister Shelagh). My sincerest condolences to the family and in particular to Uncle Jimmy who shared such a huge part of his life with Aunt Sheila. Your mum was the kindest most lovely of people. My late dad, Bill adored her as the youngest in the family May she rest in peace. Love, the U.K. side of the O’Hara family (John, Stephen, Shelagh, Helen and Liam)
Submitted by Shelagh & Mark Ashley and family on February 9th, 2021.
#5
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on the sad passing of Aunt Sheila. Such a special lady who was so important to all our family and who will be greatly missed. She will always be remembered for her love and the times we spent with her will be cherished. God Bless Aunt Sheila and I hope you have caught up with all our loved ones who have passed before who will be waiting to greet you with open arms . All our love and thoughts with Uncle Jimmy, Jim, Colleen, Kevin and all their extended families.... XXXX
Submitted by Patti McCloskey on February 9th, 2021.
#6
Dear Uncle Jimmy, Jimmy, Colleen and Kevin and ALL the clan of this wonderful family!! I am so heartbroken for the lost of my Aunt Sheila. I know I do not have to tell you what a wonderful person she was BECAUSE SHE IS!! Always a LADY and soft spoken even when she was upset. I'll miss her wonderful Irish Brogue. I remember all the wonderful times we had at the house parties where all of the family members came and had a great time with great food and CAKES!!! And all the jokes and laughter. I know she is now in HEAVEN with her family and friends and Finally holding her first baby Maureen in her arms and enjoying laughter, jokes, great food and cakes.
Submitted by Cath Stevens on February 9th, 2021.
#7
Sorry to hear such sad news. Although I only met Sheila once, I remember her lovely kind nature. My parents Denis and Kaila spoke with great warmth of the time they spent in Philadelphia along with Vera and Billy. Sheila and Jimmy were great hosts . My prayers are with you all at this sad time. XX
Submitted by Ed & Josephine Traum on February 11th, 2021.
#8
Our prayers and memories will always be with Shelia and we had many good times her and Jim.
Submitted by Doris Wyllner on February 12th, 2021.
#9
My prayers are with you my beautiful friend. I loved going to ceramics with you. We had so much fun. I always loved your accent - could listen o you talk all day! So happy to have worked with you at AEMC. RIP and God Bless you in Heaven, your new home.

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