Sheila McAdams de la Houssaye

Born January 20, 1939, Sheila was the daughter of the late Howard and Majorie Downey McAdams.

She attended St. Catherine of Siena, Ursuline Academy and was a graduate of Dominican High School. After high school, she enrolled at LSU where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and focused on speech and drama. She also attended St. Mary’s Dominican College.

Sheila’s adventurous nature led her to move to San Francisco where she worked for an oil company. Her fun roommates became lifelong friends.

After returning to New Orleans she met and was married 55 years to the love of her life, Frank.

While raising their daughter, Downey, she began her career as a Real Estate agent and was dedicated to her clients.

Sheila lived to entertain and was a fabulous cook. Numerous friends and family enjoyed the many, many parties on Bellaire. She also loved traveling the world with her family and crazy friends.

Her interests included tennis, walking in the neighborhood with Sue and of course Bridge. Bridge Fridays were legendary and although they loved playing the game, they shared more than the game. These friendships were deep and spanned decades. She also adored everything Irish and her many pets.

The family cheered for the Saints on Sunday but were divided on Saturday between LSU, Tulane and Alabama.

Sheila was a member of St. Catherine of Siena parish, the Orleans Club and the New Orleans Country Club.

She is predeceased by her husband, Frank and is survived by her daughter Downey de la Houssaye, her sister Kathleen Stevens (Vernon) of Vidalia, La., and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to those who lovingly cared for Sheila: Dorothy, Gail, Ashoka, Tanya, Shannon, Tasha and Nora. Their kindness and empathy will always be remembered.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Sheila on Thursday April 9th. A funeral mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd, Metairie. Services begin at 12:00pm with visitation starting at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to St. Catherine of Siena, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, LA, 70005 or Louisiana SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70114.

To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Sheila, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com