PORTLAND – Sheila E. Ek, 65, unexpectedly left her earthly family to join her beloved husband, Richard, and her heavenly family Nov. 26, 2005. She was born Nov. 11, 1940, in North Hampton, Mass., to Woodrow and Mildred Drillen. She was later adopted by Reid Fuhrmann. She attended schools in Long Island, N.Y., Brewer and Portland. Sheila began her career at Maine Medical Center (MMC) at the age of 17 as a Nurse’s Aide. After leaving to marry and start a family, she returned to the MMC Operating Room (OR) to do surgical preps. “I was the first contact a patient would have from the OR,” said Sheila, “and usually they were terrified. I got them to talk about their fears and tried to leave them with smiles on their faces.” But the position she truly loved was that of Communication Secretary in the OR. Controlling the switchboard, she would coordinate availability of rooms, surgical teams, and patients for approximately 50 daily cases. Her direct contact with surgeons, their offices, anesthesia personnel, OR techs, orderlies and other nursing units in a controlled confusion is what she did best. Her hard work and dedication to the busiest OR in Maine won her the respect of the many people she came in contact with during the day. Aside from her many accomplishments in the work place, Sheila’s unsurpassed dedication to her husband and children was exemplary at best. Her selfless devotion to them knew no bounds. Her attention to her family’s needs supported and contributed to their diverse endeavors. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the well being of her immediate and extended family. Sheila shared a passion for adventure with her beloved husband, Richard. This quest was not hindered by her physical limitations. She is survived by her daughter, Lynda Lee and her husband, Robert Werner, of Portland; a son, Dr. Thomas P. and his wife, Wilma Ek, of Scarborough; and five grandchildren, Scott, Emily, Amanda, James, and Adam. Visiting hours will be held from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, with Pastor John Hilbelink officiating. Interment services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sheila E. Ek Maine Medical Center or Memorial Fund care of True Choice Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 10659, Portland, ME 04104.
SHEILA EK
