Sheila V. Donald, 88, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. Sheila is survived by her daughters: Irene (Angelo), Linda (Ross), and Marybeth (Kevin); five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She was the daughter of Irene V. (Daly) Donald and Adolph L. Donald, both of whom predeceased her, as well as the beloved sister of Barbara (Donald) Stegemeier, also deceased. Sheila grew up in Lynbrook, New York, where she formed lasting memories and raised her family there before relocating to Florida for her retirement years.
A standout student in high school, she participated in sports like softball, volleyball, basketball and bowling, as well as being a cheerleader, sorority sister, and a majorette. Her academic achievements were equally impressive, maintaining an A-average, while being a part of the Lynbrook News staff.
Sheila began her professional career soon after high school at Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO), where she worked as an Executive Secretary in the Legal Department before transitioning to Office Services. Her commitment to her work was evident, particularly during major storms when she volunteered to help manage the influx of calls as power outages impacted the local area.
In her pursuit of knowledge, Sheila earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree from Nassau Community College, balancing her studies with work and family life. She was an avid traveler and also had a passion for cultural events, Broadway shows, music, dancing, and always seeking new experiences and ways to enrich her life.
Sheila was deeply involved in her faith, actively participating in devotional groups such as the Legion of Mary, Bible Study, and the Rosary Ministry. She also spent time with her circle of friends in “The Flamingos,” gathering regularly for lunch and lively conversation.
Sheila will be remembered fondly by all who knew her and her legacy lives on through the generations she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to Sheila’s heart.
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Hudson Chapel
Saint Michael The Archangel Catholic Church
Marie Velez
January 2, 2025, 3:01 pm
Sincere sympathy on your loss. We all loved Shiela. She never complained and always was so kind.
I will miss her.
Marie velez.
Victoria Lamparski
January 2, 2025, 11:36 pm
I and her fellow Legion of Mary members will truly miss Shelia. She was always a shining example of how to live a loving, humble life. I loved her dearly. Sorry I was not able to visit her in the hospital or rehab? I was sick myself. Would not risk taking germs to her. She will always hold a special place in my heart. God comfort to all of you.
Esther Lopez
January 2, 2025, 11:43 pm
Sheila was our sister in Christ of the Legion of Mary for many years. She served as Secretary and devoted to the Immaculate Mary, Mother of God. We will miss Sheila and keep her in our thoughts and prayers always. Our condolence to Sheila’s beloved family
Christine Moore
January 3, 2025, 12:19 am
Sheila was one of my neighbors in the Villas for the past seven years. She helped me distribute our HOA newsletters on a regular basis. I had the pleasure of having some conversations with her at HOA meetings or at her home and I appreciated her love of her religion, her gentleness and her commitment to helping her neighbors. She will be missed.
Nancy S Bryan
January 5, 2025, 6:36 pm
I had the unique privilege of meeting Sheila Donald in a hair salon down at East Lake Woodlands and I did her hair at that salon for almost 12 years. She followed me up to the Walmart in Trinity where I did her hair for 10 years. Then I retired from there and went downtown with a Cuban friend to help her dream of owning a salon and was there for 8 years and Sheila followed me everywhere. We were dear friends… she had animals and we bonded on our love for our pets… she was a kind-hearted true Christian lady she talked about her daughter’s often… I don’t think I ever heard a mean word out of Miss Sheila through all those years.. she was a very sweet loving caring person… She lived her Christianity… She’s in heaven now.
Pauline Shaver
January 7, 2025, 10:22 pm
Sheila was a very quiet person who never said a bad word about anyone. She attended our weekly rosary group as often as she could and we will miss seeing here there.