Sister Sheila O'Neill

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth mourn the loss of our beloved Sister Sheila O'Neill, 79, formerly known as Sister Mary Gabriel, who died at 7:30 a.m. on Wed., Nov. 24, 2010 at Exempla-Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, CO. Sheila Aileen O'Neill was born on October 16, 1931 in Rock Springs, WY to James E. and Helen Agnes Beatty O'Neill. The family moved to Montrose, CO, where Sheila attended public schools through 11th grade. She transferred to St. Mary Academy in Leavenworth, KS, graduating in 1949. Sheila entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on August 18, 1950 and, as Sister Mary Gabriel O'Neill, made her profession of vows on August 15, 1952. She taught at schools in MO and KS and cared for children at Mount St. Vincent Home in Denver, later returning there as Director of Volunteers. She was called to the Mother House in Kansas where she served as maintenance supervisor and assisted with the renovation of Ross Hall. In 1966 S. Sheila became acting Post Mistress for Xavier, KS, which served the University of Saint Mary and the Mother House. In 1975, S. Sheila began her long association with Exempla-Saint Joseph Hospital, first in the business office and later as sacristan in the hospital chapel. Sister received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, KS. Survivors include her sister, Mary C. Firko of Chalfont, PA; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her SCL Community. Visitation will be at time 3:00 p.m. and the Rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29, at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home, Lakewood. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Exempla-Saint Joseph Hospital. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. There will be a Memorial Service honoring Sister Sheila at Ross Chapel of the Sisters of Charity Mother House in Leavenworth, KS at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Retirement Fund, 4200 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048.