Sheila S. Barrett

Sheila Sullivan Barrett died peacefully on July 19, 2020 in her 84th year. Sheila was married 61 years to the late John "Jack" Barrett, who died November 15, 2019. Born in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Florence Sullivan and Julia (O'Connell) Sullivan of Kenmare, Ireland. She was a proud graduate of Mount St. Joseph's Academy, Class of 1954, in West Hartford. In the '60s, she enjoyed participating in Mother's Circle at Our Lady of Sorrows with Moraith O'Toole, among others. Sheila enjoyed entertaining, often hosted large family gatherings and was known for putting an event together with only a day or two notice. While working at Coleco, she became an expert in Cabbage Patch Dolls and enjoyed giving special ones to friends and family. She embodied Céad mile fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes. Sheila loved her Irish Heritage and Irish history and thoroughly enjoyed her many trips to Ireland. Sheila was "The Keeper of Family History" and would be able to explain who was related to who with ease. Sheila and Jack could be found wherever good Irish music was, especially the rebel songs. St. Patrick's Day was a holiday to take off work or school and spend with friends and family at local Irish pubs. After retiring, Sheila and Jack moved to Charlestown, RI, where they enjoyed the casual beach life for several years. In 1999, Sheila and Jack moved to San Diego, CA, where they enjoyed the weather and retirement in the Seven Oaks community. One year they were honored as Mr. and Mrs. Irish New England in the San Diego St Patrick's Day Parade! One of their special joys was watching their grandson, Wyatt, grow up. Sheila adored Wyatt and proudly spoke of his accomplishments both in his studies and in sports. Sheila loved going to see him play, regardless of the sport. She loved talking baseball with him, especially about the Yankees (her team) and the Red Sox (his team). Sheila also loved cooking with Wyatt and taught him to make her famous apple pie. Sheila was a devoted daughter, loving wife, wonderful mother, aunt, friend, and incredible "Mimi" to Wyatt. Sheila leaves her daughter, Mary-Ellen Barrett Evans, her son-in-law Colin Evans and her grandson, Wyatt Evans. She also leaves her brother Kevin Sullivan and her sisters Catherine Sullivan and Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Fay, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews and the gang from Rowe Avenue. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her sisters Margaret (Peggy) Bray and Eileen Horan. There will be a memorial service on for Sheila and Jack on July 8th, 2022, at noon at Malloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06119. Visitation hours will be from 11-12 on the same date. Realizing that COVID is still with us, the family is happy to receive condolences at connecticutmeb@gmail.com. Molloy Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.