BANGOR – Sheila R. Geaghan, 80, passed away Jan. 16, 2012, with her family by her side after a period of declining health. Sheila was the wife of the late Melville L. Geaghan, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. They met at age 14 while playing softball and shared a lifetime of memories together. She was born Jan. 20, 1931, in Harrisburg, Pa., the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Cronin) King. She moved to Bangor at age 10 and was lovingly raised by her oldest sister, Regina and her husband, Irvin.
Sheila was educated in the Bangor school system and worked while raising her three children. She had a strong work ethic and especially enjoyed her time at Sylvania, where she took pride in her many positions and made many lasting friends. She loved spending time with her family. She was especially close to her local sisters-in-law, Arline, Patricia and Lucille, whom she loved to lunch and chat with frequently; as well as her daughter-in-law, Kim, who lovingly cared for her in her later years and enhanced her quality of life beyond measure. Sheila had many lifelong friends, including John and Nancy Connick, Bessie Jack and Marilyn Curtis. They were enthusiastic card players and laughter could be heard well into the night on Stillwater Avenue. She was close to many dear neighbors that she considered family, including Anne Bartlett, Bette Reed, Gerry Dyer and Joyce Kearns. Sheila was a kind, compassionate and generous woman. For many years Sheila with her husband, Mel, cared for several family members, contributed to numerous local charities and knitted mittens for the homeless shelter. She made a difference to those lives she touched. Her hobbies included knitting, puzzles, cards and reading. Sheila knitted beautiful heirloom afghans for her children and grandchildren that will be forever cherished. She had fond memories and spoke often of the fun she had on her Caribbean cruise with her former daughter-in-law, Marilyn.
Sheila is survived by three children and their spouses, Daniel and his wife, Judith, of Somersworth, N.H., Brian and his wife, Kim, of Brewer and Lisa and her husband, Perry, of New Boston, N.H. She was proud of her five granddaughters, Kate Geaghan of Oakland, Calif., Kara and her husband, Jon Jones, of Orrington, Breanne Geaghan of Greenland, N.H., Katherine Keller of Lawrence, Mass., and Jenna Keller of Boston. She was thrilled to meet her first great-granddaughter, Charlotte Rose, in October. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Theresa LePage, Gertrude Geaghan, Lucille Geaghan, Arline Geaghan, Patricia Geaghan and Frances McCloskey; and her sister, Shirley Kaufman of Erie, Pa. She was a loving mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend who left lasting memories. She was predeceased by her husband, Melville, in 2003; her sisters, Regina and Theresa Heisey; and her brother, Gilbert Halbleis. The family would like to especially thank all the staff at Bangor Nursing and Rehabilitation for their kind and compassionate care.
Friends and family are welcome to call for a memorial service 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 300 State St., Bangor. There will be refreshments and conversation after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manna Ministries, 629 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401.