On December 16, 2023, Jesus called Sheila B. O'Connell home. She passed away peacefully with her family at her side after battling Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Sheila was born on February 6, 1942, on the Westside of Chicago. She was many things to many people: daughter, mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Sheila was most known for her genuine love of people and her spunkiness. Her smile was warm and welcoming as she reached out to talk to everyone she crossed paths with, even strangers who she said were "friends we have yet to meet." She truly touched the lives of many and made the world a better place! As a young woman, she met the love of her life and later became the wife of Chicago Police Officer Edward O'Connell. They were blessed with eight children – four boys and four girls, whom she loved dearly. She was further blessed with the treasured gifts of eleven grandchildren. Sheila thought the world of her grandchildren who affectionately called her "Nonnie" as her spunky attitude insisted, "I am not old enough to be called grandma, I will be called Nonnie". Sheila was the daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (née Patton) Kenny. She was the beloved sister of the late Patricia (Anthony) Maroney, Thomas (the late Janet), and William Kenny. She is survived by her eight children: Denise (Kevin) King, Theresa (Thomas) O'Connell, Mary Pat (Patrick) Slattery, Edward (Rachel), Bridgid (Diana), Matthew (Mary), Joseph, and Timothy (Leidy). Fond grandmother of Kelly, Caitlin (Matthew) Varchmin, Shannon, and Brighid King; Meghan, Thomas, Patrick, and Michael O'Connell; Claire Slattery; and Alyssa and Dominic O'Connell. The dear sister-in-law of John (the late Margaret) O'Connell and fond aunt to many nieces and nephews. And friend to an endless list of hundreds! Her life was exemplified by hard work, strength, and determination. When she was young, she worked at Walgreens with her mother, often working the busy lunch crowd at the counter (when Walgreens stores had a diner); this was while on her lunch break from her full-time job at Western Electric across the street from Walgreens. It was at this time she was Miss Garfield Park and did a screenplay with Rock Hudson. Yet, her greatest life's work was being a wife and mother. This role sometimes required her to work outside the home. Having many interests, she worked at several places. One of her favorite jobs was being a cocktail waitress at the rotating restaurant and bar at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. She also worked as an administrative assistant at American Olean, a Deputy Sheriff for the Cook County Sheriff's Office, and as a CNA at Ravenswood and Edgewater Hospitals. Sheila also owned her own businesses: Save on Cleaning, a commercial and residential cleaning service (that abbreviated to SOC was also her initials) and an antique shop in Woodstock. Sheila was truly committed to the service of others. She served on the Norwood Park Citizen Association, served on the zoning board for the village of Palatine, was a Board of Directors member for the Far Northwest Counseling Services, and was a lay minister for four churches ~ Our Lady of Loretto Chapel at O'Hare Airport, St. Thecla, Old St. Patrick's, and Church of the Holy Family where she also sang in the choir. Sheila was also a long time 41 st ward Precinct Captain for the 19 th Precinct that later led to being an aldermanic candidate. She also served silently, often feeding the homeless or delivering meals to police officers and fire fighters working the night shift. She always gave of herself to the needy and did anything she could to help those who were down on their luck. Yet, she never slowed down. She was never one to just sit around, and she was always on the go. A true "people person". She was very extroverted and often enjoyed being the center of attention. Her very energetic and loving soul was found to never be sitting still for too long. This led to her nickname of "the Energizer Bunny" – her batteries kept going, and going, and going.

She was always on the go, often found driving around the neighborhood in her white "Mini Cam" Ford van visiting her friends, chasing firetrucks, or more so checking on her children (and neighborhood kids) making sure they were not into any mischief. Yet, her carousing was really out of care. She cared deeply for her family and friends. Despite her large family, Sheila always made time for everyone. No matter who walked into her home she took care of them like one of her own. Many people consider Sheila their second mother. Known for her ease in frequent conversation with everyone, even total strangers, she possessed an entertaining sense of humor. She was an incredibly social and vibrant woman and always had something going on and something to say. She loved inviting people into her home to chat. Always ready to greet you with a joyous smile and a comforting hug, Sheila always made you feel welcomed. Her house, she said, had a "revolving door" that was always unlocked and open to all the neighborhood kids and her friends. Everyone was welcomed around her kitchen table. At her kitchen table, conversations always revolved around a cup of Sanka or Irish tea with a slice of Sara Lee coffee or pound cake. Many laughs and stories of days gone by were shared at the kitchen table. A pot of tea was always on the stove. She loved to have her cup of Barry's Irish tea daily with "a wee bit of milk". She was a very spunky woman with a huge heart of gold. She liked to talk to each and every one of her family members daily. It might just be a minute conversation, but you could guarantee a daily phone call, even during her sickest days. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of many carried her through. When anyone else would have broken, Sheila stayed strong. She defeated all odds for many years. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. She was devoted to God's word and prayed daily for her family and all others. She leaves behind a great legacy of love and strength. Sheila will be best remembered for her quick wit and charismatic personality, spunk and playful yet mischievous heart. It would be wrong to say that Sheila lost her battle, because she never stopped fighting, and won the greatest gift of being called home by Jesus. The O'Connell family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart- felt forms from so many people. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge, IL. Funeral services are Friday, December 22, 2023, at The Bridge Community Church, 302 E. Euclid, Prospect Heights, IL. Visitation at 9:00 am with Service at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Foundation. https://www.mds-foundation.org/