Obituary of Sheila Finlay

Sheila Finlay, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on Monday, April 27, 2026. She courageously battled ovarian cancer for three and a half years. Sheila was the devoted and loving wife of Kevin for nearly 55 wonderful years. Their partnership was defined by deep love and a lifetime of shared memories.

Sheila and Kevin traveled extensively, but loved nothing more than spending time at their home at the Jersey Shore surrounded by family and friends.

Sheila attended Bayley Ellard High School and was a graduate of Gwynedd Mercy University’s nursing program. She dedicated her early career to caring for others, bringing compassion and quiet strength to every life she touched. Her calling as a nurse reflected her very nature, selfless, kind, and endless giving.

Sheila was a competitive bowler and a passionate reader; traits inherited from her mother Irene.

Throughout her adult life, Sheila lived in New Jersey, Illinois, North Carolina and Texas forming lasting friendships everywhere she went.  Above all else, her greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother to four children: Kristen, Megan, Brittany, and Erik  and a cherished mother in law to Brian and Joe.

Sheila was a deeply devoted grandmother to eight: Joey Jr., Luke, Jack, Chad, Sebastian, James, Reagan, and Finn. She cherished every moment with them and her influence, love and guidance will live on forever.

She is survived by her sisters, Claudia, (Stephen) and Laura, (John).

She was predeceased by her parents Irene and Robert Stearn.

Sheila found peace and joy at the shore, where she treasured the sound of the waves, long walks along the beach and quiet moments spent reading.

Sheila will be forever remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering love, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of others. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, devotion to family, and enduring love.

She will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3^rd from 2-5pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. (*A steady flow throughout the Funeral Home will ensure all guests time to pay their respects.) 

A mass celebrating Sheila’s life will be held at Our Lady Mercy Roman Catholic Church on Monday May 4^th at 11am.  90 Whippany Rd, Whippany, NJ 07981

Luncheon to follow.

If you would like to make a donation in Sheila’s memory you can do so at www.ocrahope.org.