Sheila made such a big contribution to my mother-in-law's life. Her golden, Abby, is one reason why she is alive today at 95 years of age.   My m-i-l speaks of Sheila with such love. We, her family, live in another country far way, and we're very grateful for Sheila's contribution to our mom's quality of life. Such a tremendous loss. We are very sorry for the family and community.

Thanks to Sheila and all her hard work and determination and nothing stood in her way . Passion was her shining light that led her to accomplish so much . Our Benny 1/2019 is an every day reminder of miracle worker Sheila . 

From the very first time I spoke with Sheila on the phone several years ago, I fell immediately that we were soulmates. We connected so deeply in our love for our Goldens, but also in so many other ways.  Sheila's heart was so big, and you felt it the minute that you met her.   When I first met her in person at LAX when she was bringing in a group of dogs for the rescue, she hugged me as though we had known each other forever.  She was so warm and so kind, and she was such a strong and determined woman. She was a beautiful force of nature.  She will be deeply missed by so many.  My heartfelt condolences go to her family and to her friends, from Journey and me. 

My heart is heavy since learning of this tremendous loss by ALL. Like many I applied for the position to adopt a fur friend and gained so much more. Sheila was the most down to earth person I was able to call a friend. I had just lost my Dad and my son’s service dog. When Sheila called it was one of my emotional days. She came over to do a home check and that was the beginning of something that I will forever cherish. Zack came in like he owned the house and started playing. Sheila and I talked for a couple of hours. From then on it was a special friendship that I will keep in my heart forever. Love, Light, and Prayers 🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻

An angel named Sheila just landed in Paradise and God is  taking  good care of her,, for eternity. Bless her life with Luiz and their happiness. Sheila, you will be missed but you won’t be forgotten. 
 

Many years ago when we first met 🌷such a wonderful day 🌺

I was honored to meet the many women of the Donnelly Family, and definitely honored to live with the love of the Donnelly men. And laugh with them ~ in  New York, Boxford, Boston, North Shore, South Shore, Las Vegas… Definitely in Ireland itself.
Sheila was a people connector, and her generosity of spirit always will be. With my own sons, in her influence, I am sure.
Sheila was a people connector, and a boss. Sheila may have owned the patent on determination. And Sheila was funny, and fun, and incredibly warm and always loving.
A natural big sister, silly or daring and potentially mischievous.  From my understanding, Sheila did not hide the cereal. 🍀 That’s what I think, anyway. That’s just me.
Sheila, I love you always. You know that, and I know that, because we told each other that.
Lou, I am saddened by your loss.
May God, likewise, show you all the love and mercy He shows Sheila.
And Lou, I am sorry… But, Sheila gave us so much food whenever Griffin, Jack, Ronan and I showed our faces at Samba Latte that it was ridiculous.  I might owe you money.  I know the kids and I did, really, really, really appreciate the snacks, though!  💛 Lou, you are incredible. Neither you, nor Sheila, would ever let anyone go without love and/or snacks.
Lou, you and Sheila represent the amazing. I am grateful that you both came together in this world as you did, as a wonderfully loving, and generous and gentle, couple in this lifetime. 
Sheila, big sister, role model and coach, I love you and I thank you. And you know that always.
Truly and sincerely yours,  Denise D.

This picture was during 2021 Christmas, it was also Shirley birthday, she was struggling with the disease , she was always smiling and helping others , one of the things that I most liked on her , her compassion and beautiful heart ❤️ 

I was fortunate enough to briefly meet Sheila , through her brother John. I was able to witness her incredible compassion and love for all of her animals. She was a fantastic mother to her son Zack. and loving wife to her husband Luis.
Watching John demonstrate his love and support to his sister spoke volumes. I feel blessed to have known her for this short time. My heart goes out to you and the family. Much love, Heather.

Beautiful as a bright shining star. Your life was a blessing.
We miss you and love you always.




Dear Luiz, Zachariah and family,
Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you.
May our Lord Jesus Christ give you comfort in this difficult time.
God bless you .
Esteves Family 

A beautiful soul is never forgotten. You touched our lives and enriched our home. I am grateful for the gift of your friendship and the joy you shared through your compassion for goldens. Your memory will remain in our hearts always.

I remember when I met Sheila. Me and a friend of mine were at Sambalatte, we were having a great breakfast, then Luiz introduced us and she sat down with us.   She  started to talk about dogs, and some other topics that she was passionate about, and I realized her zeal would leave an imprint in many lives , and through the journey she had to walk through . I will always remember her strong personality, her compassion and her love for the right and good things in life. I had the honor to meet her and my prayers go to her family , for the Lord to give them peace, revelation and a new anointing for the new season. 

Estrellita  ⭐️ 

I have witnessed the love that Sheila had for her son Zack, her family, life, and animals. She was a very determined, loving and intelligent person. I will miss her greatly. She will be missed by all. 

Growing up in Boxford there was nary a day Sheila and I did not spend together. From middle school through to my wedding day we shared a bond and a sense of adventure that truly was a blessing. Though time and circumstances sent us in opposite directions I thought of her often and I believe she thought of me as well. Reconnecting about 8 years ago was a joy and it was lovely to hear about her happy life in Las Vegas with Lou and Zack! Sheila's natural sense of determination, confidence, perseverance, and selflessness, coupled with her God given intelligence and beauty were attributes that I long admired. Those traits were what sent us on so many adventures, so long ago and those traits were what allowed her to "pack so much in'  in such a short span of time. You were a good and faithful soldier, Sheila and those gates must have flung open at your arrival! Rest in Peace my dear friend...until we meet again! 

I never met Sheila in person but only slightly knew her through texts and thank you cards she sent me for my donations.  She was a lady with a huge heart and a will to beat this miserable disease called ALS.  Her great love  of Goldens gave birth to an amazing rescue, one that hopefully will go on forever. I am so grateful she had the fortitude to organize it, as she has no doubt saved hundreds of golden lives. I have the greatest respect for what she did and her courage in daily life. My heart and prayers go out to her family members. She was a great light in this often times dark world. Sincerely and sadly, Kim Sampson

Sheila and I were childhood friends in Boxford, MA. I was saddened to hear of her passing. We had so much fun and many adventures together when we were young. Although we lost touch many years ago, I thought of her often and cherish the childhood memories of her. Rest In Peace Sheila. My heartfelt thoughts to Sheila’s family.


Video taken at Sheila’s 2019  Goldens without Borders fundraiser.  ❤️🙏

When I moved to Las Vegas in November 2020, A friend invited me to Goldens Without Borders. The gala was elegant and  Sheila spoke about the  importance and urgency of helping as many dogs as possible suffering they’re terrible fate in China and South Korea.  Sheila  rescued 344 dogs in five years. It’s complicated but she  transported the Goldens  to Canada where they had to quarantine for six months. Sheila and her volunteers  found homes for all of the  dogs. Sheila had a heart of gold it was an honor to have known her for a short time. Sheila made an impact on my life and I will never forget her.

OBITUARY

Sheila Marie Oliveira

December 24, 1964 – March 3, 2023

Palm Southwest Mortuary

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