Sheila Neelon

Sheila (Mulvaney) Neelon, a woman of saint-like patience and the heart of the Neelon family, passed away on October 12th at the age of 88.

Sheila was born in 1935 to Elsie and William Mulvaney. She grew up in Haverhill, MA, and spent her summers on Plum Island, MA., where she met her husband of 65 years, Donal Neelon. Together they raised three children: Mike, Billy, and Kathy. Sheila and family resided in Franklin, MA, where she worked for many years as a bookkeeper at Franklin Income Tax Consultants before retiring to live on Plum Island full-time in 1993.

Above all else, Sheila was a proud and doting wife, mother, and grandmother. "Nana," as her six grandchildren called her, was warm, kind, and gentle, but could also take you by surprise with her razor-sharp wit. She was known for force-feeding her family cantaloupe (it's good for you), doing a mean Chicken Dance, and perhaps single handedly keeping Friendly's in business with her love of Jubilee Rolls. She never missed an important life event, and always carved out time for each of her grandchildren. She'll be remembered for her incredible ability to make people feel so special and loved.

Sheila is survived by her three children Mike Neelon (Patti), Billy Neelon, and Kathy Comins (Andy MacDowell); six grandchildren Caitlin Neelon (Eric Freeman), Ryan Neelon (Ashley), Kyle Neelon (Alex Fish), Lindsay Comins, Jessie Neelon (Jon Comrie), and Bert Comins (Becca); five great-granddaughters Sylvie Neelon, Izzy Comrie, Lennie Freeman, Maeve Comins, and Josie Neelon; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Sheila joins her husband Donny who passed away in April of this year. She was also predeceased by her parents; son-in-law, Bert Comins; and daughter-in-law, Karin Neelon.

The family will hold a private burial at Walnut Cemetery and host a celebration of life at a later date. In the meantime, put an ice cube in a glass of pinot grigio and toast a life well lived.