Sheila Patricia May

Sheila was born on July 26, 1938, in Topeka, Kansas, to Michael Henry Kane and Julia Clare Markawitz Kane. She was one of ten children and the youngest daughter.

Sheila spent her childhood in Spokane, Washington, where she graduated from Marycliff High School. She later attended Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, California, where she studied creative writing. Her life's journey took her from Kansas to Spokane, then to San Diego in 1961, before she made Oklahoma City her home in 2017.

Sheila found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved listening to classic country music, especially Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, and her favorite color was blue. One of her perfect days would be spent playing Texas Hold 'Em and other card games with friends. Known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, she especially enjoyed the writings of Erma Bombeck and the comedy of Carol Burnett.

Sheila married Walter Caleson on September 3, 1960. Later, she married Harry May on September 18, 1993, and they remained devoted to one another until Harry's passing.

Above all, Sheila treasured her family. She loved family gatherings—the bigger, the better—and delighted in spending time with those she loved. Her daughter, Therese Brown, lovingly cared for her in her later years.

Sheila hoped to be remembered as the spirited woman who wore purple with a red hat, inspired by Jenny Joseph's beloved poem Warning. She never shied away from a good debate and was a fierce advocate for the underdog, no matter the cause. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and guided her with compassion, strength, and conviction. She was also deeply patriotic and was often seen wearing an American flag pin.

Sheila was a proud member of the Red Hat Society and the Single Squares Dance Club. She was a faithful parishioner of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Oklahoma City and previously of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lakeside, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Julia Kane; her beloved husband, Harry May; her brothers, Michael Kane, Joseph Kane, Richard Kane, and Victor Kane; and her sisters, Dolores Kane, Dolores Denny, Dorothy O'Reilly, and Betty Thompson.

Sheila is survived by her daughters, Tina Aown and her husband, Al, of Boyne City, Michigan, and Therese Brown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Trevor (Vanessa) McCrea and their children, Erik and Gretel; Cressandra Adams and her children, Bruce and Dylan; Abby (Tom) Trousdell and their son, Tommy; Josh (Emma) Aown and their son, Cameron; Allison (Israel) Calcano and their daughter, Kayden; Kaley (John) Ricketts; and Nick (Kristina) Aown. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

The family requests that those wishing to honor Sheila's memory consider making a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.