Sheila Tupper Loch

Dover, NH – It is with profound sadness that the children of Sheila Loch announce her passing on April 4, 2025, at Carriage Hill in Madbury, NH. Born on August 11, 1933, in Waite, ME, Sheila was the proud daughter of the late Amy Tupper. Throughout her life, she called many New England towns home before settling in the Seacoast, where she built a life filled with love, learning, and adventure.
A devoted wife, Sheila shared 72 wonderful years with her beloved husband, Anthony "Tony" Loch. Together, they raised ten children, who were the heart and soul of her life.
Sheila was a dedicated and determined woman who worked tirelessly and took particular pride in obtaining her bachelor's degree from UNH at age 47, ultimately earning a master's degree in education. Fluent in Spanish, she pursued a fulfilling career as a teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, inspiring countless students along the way.
Although teaching gave Sheila great pleasure, her passion was her children. She and her husband, Tony, enjoyed watching their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren participate in sports, music, and arts events. You could regularly see them at concerts and plays, or toting lawn chairs as they rooted for the local team and athletes, on the court, field, track, and golf course.
Beyond her family and career, Sheila greatly enjoyed travel, embracing the beauty and culture of the world. She especially loved Spain, a place that held a special spot in her heart. Sheila shared her joy of travel and sense of adventure with her children, taking them camping in NH, up to West Pond in Maine, cross country to San Diego, or to other countries, such as Spain, Poland, and Jamaica.
Sheila was generous with her advice, knowledge, and love, and appreciated a good conversation. She had the gift of comprehending every topic and could engage in conversation even if she had only a dash of knowledge in that area. It's this talent that made anyone who spoke with her feel included and appreciated as an individual. However, Sheila also had no time for beating around the bush; she said it like it was – honest and blunt. You didn't ask for her opinion if you didn't want the truth.
Frugal with a dollar but not with her heart, Sheila was known to provide a cash loan or gift to those a little short on funds. Many benefited from a new table, braces, a car, or a little cash. And love, she gave freely. She frequently told us she loved us and by doing so, taught us how to say it often to those we cared about.
Along with her mother, Sheila is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony "Tony" Loch; son, Christopher Loch; and grandson, William Fahey. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert Loch and wife, Taryn, Kathleen Vetter and husband, Scott, Pamela Saurman and husband, Douglas, Susanne Pirolli and husband, Robert, Stephen Loch and wife, Kara, Sandra Truax and husband, Dean, Elizabeth Goodsell and husband, Mark, Timothy Loch and wife, Brook, and Jennifer Loch; daughter-in-law, Mary Loch; 24 grandchildren; a plethora of great-grandchildren; a few great, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held later in the spring, on Friday, April 25, at 11:00 am, at St. Joseph Church, 150 Central Ave, Dover, NH. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Portsmouth. Post burial, family and friends can continue celebrating Sheila's life at a reception held at Portsmouth Country Club.
Sheila's life was a testament to love, resilience, and adventure. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
Ever the educator, Sheila requested donations in her memory be sent to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH. Click the link below to contribute. Thank you!
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