Sheila Ann Gobeil

Raised in Hyannis, she and her sisters Maureen (Aylmer) Rossi of Murphys, California and Irene Aylmer of Hyannis were inseparable best friends, and maintained a relationship based on support, affection, and love as they did with their brother James Aylmer. They were predeceased by James and their parents Grace and Francis Aylmer.

A chance encounter at a restaurant in Hyannis between Sheila and a young Cape Cod Community College student led to a lifetime of love and partnership. She and Leonard Gobeil married in 1965, moved to Boston, and then to Germany while Len served in the military, and eventually settled in her hometown where they raised their family.

Always, for Sheila, there was Barnstable.

Born in Hyannis, she raised her family in Marston’s Mills, attended church in Osterville, worked in Barnstable village, hosted Kettleers from Cotuit, bought her ice cream in Centerville and enjoyed her drives on Route 6A in West Barnstable. Ultimately, her favorite place was Kalmus Beach.

She was an athlete - a varsity letter winner in field hockey, basketball, and softball at Barnstable High School – and she shared this passion for sports with her children. She could be found teaching the finer points of teamwork to Andy, Erin, Jeremy, and Bart.

The most important lesson she taught her children, likely without even realizing it, was a sense of selflessness. She gave endlessly, and it is that legacy of selflessness and compassion, more than any other, that will survive her.

She also manifested a strong sense of empathy. For two decades she worked in the Probation Department at the Barnstable County Courthouse and treated everyone there with respect and dignity.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Len, who provided strength, humor, and unconditional love to care for her in her final years. Sheila leaves her children Andrew and his partner Kathy of Atlanta, Erin Gilbert of Duxbury, Jeremy and his wife Kate of Bourne, and Bart and his wife Elizabeth of Savannah, Georgia.

A grandmother of eight, Nana will be remembered by Devin and Jack Gobeil of South Carolina, Kaden McSheffrey and Kiley and Meryl Gilbert of Duxbury, and Grace, Grady, and Cooper Gobeil of Bourne. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cousins who added to her life.

Sheila was a most loving friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hyannis Public Library at 401 Main Street, Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Doane Beal and Ames Funeral Home, 160 W. Main St., Hyannis. A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, January 25th at 11 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Church, 347 South St., Hyannis. All who wish to attend may meet directly at the church. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealameshyannis.com