Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Sheila Hull Obituary
She was born Sept. 25, 1925, in Darlington, England, the daughter of Thomas and Rachel Melville Himsley Eckford, and had lived most of her life in Durham.
She was a part of the emigration of children to Canada during the bombing of England in World War II, arriving in 1940 to Hamilton, Ontario. She met her first husband, John Dewdney, while they were in high school. She attended McMaster University and studied chemistry before marrying. Their first New Hampshire home was in Hanover, where she was a mom raising her young family, and she was a very active community participant.
She is survived by four children, Ron, Peter, Julie and Murray Dewdney; one stepdaughter, Susan Neilson and her family; eight grandchildren, Tristan, Christopher, Evan, Rachel, Tyler, Berol, Cordelia and Morgan; and her partner, Kenneth Prodo and his family.
WE REMEMBER: She is also survived by many dear friends and far-flung family members and her ever-faithful and much-loved dog, Benji. After Mr. Dewdney died in 1966 she worked as a middle-school teacher and research assistant with the physics department at the University of New Hampshire, where he had been a physics professor.
In 1975 she married Robert Ridgley Hull and resided briefly in Livingston, N.J., before retiring and moving back to Durham.
They were avid bird watchers and very involved in the Seacoast Audubon chapter. She was predeceased by Mr. Hull, who died on March 22, 2001.
In 2006 she sold her beloved home in Durham and moved to RiverWoods in Exeter, a decision she never regretted. There she was an involved and enthusiastic member of the community - as she was every place she lived.
Mrs. Hull's interests were many, but her grandchildren, bridge, birding, travel, and politics topped the list. Throughout her life she loved bridge and was a very competitive master duplicate bridge player. She was ever interested, involved and passionate about cheering on her grandchildren in their many and varied endeavors.
SERVICES: Memorial services and a celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of the Community Church of Durham, UCC, 17 Main St., Durham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the N.H. Community Loan Fund, 7 Wall St., Concord NH 03301 (http://www.theloanfund.org/) or to the Seacoast Audubon Chapter, c/o New Hampshire Audubon, 3 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301-8200 (http://www.nhaudubon.org/).
Arrangements are by the Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home, Newmarket.
To sign an online guest book visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Hull
Ron, Murray, Julie, Sheila and Peter
Jordy Cornog
February 11, 2011
February 11, 2011
February 11, 2011
Suzanne & Tony Federer
February 4, 2010
Dear family- We just now learned of Sheila's death and are deeply saddened. We first met Shelia in the 1970's when she was attending the Durham UU Fellowship. Then when we moved to Oyster River Rd. we became neighbors, good friends, co-hockey fans and birding friends. She was such a delightful person and a great role model for us of growing old gracefully. We missed her when we moved to the North Country in 2005, and were pleased that she came to visit us in our new home, and pleased to know how happy she was at Riverwoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Susan Ely
January 14, 2010
Dear Julie, Murray, Peter and Ron,
I was profoundly sad to learn that your mother is no longer with us in body. She was, however, an important presence in my life and will remain in my thoughts always. My association with your family began during childhood in Hanover, continued in Durham, and has survived many relocations; this long connection is largely thanks to your mother. She was wonderful about keeping in touch and I was tremendously pleased that we had recently regained contact after her move to Riverwoods. I last saw Sheila in 1984 just before my son and I moved to England. My son did a transatlantic telephone interview with your mother in the late ‘80s as a school project on the WWII children’s evacuation from Britain. I would be happy to send a copy to any of you who would like to see it. We have all lost, and will greatly miss, a virtuoso human being but Sheila’s enormous spirit remains with us as a sterling reminder of how truly extraordinary life can be. Love, Susan
Bruce and Jane MacIntyre
January 13, 2010
How does one cope with such a tragedy? We were so very shocked and saddened by the news. Sheila was our neighbor on Mill Road and such a wonderful neighbor and friend! She had the knack of making you feel that what you were saying was so important. Sheila was such an enthusiastic person, too--we really feel that she taught us to appreciate life, to show and share our enthusiasm--what a valuable lesson! We shall miss her very much. Our thoughts are with you.
Alex McCallum
January 12, 2010
I couldn't help noticing that Sheila was born in Darlington, England, because that's where I was born too (in 1940, the year she traveled to Canada), and I have been living in Exeter for the past 16 years, not far from RiverWoods. I wish we had met, because we could have shared quite a few memories of that north-east England town famous for the world's first passenger railway (1825) and one of the country's worst professional soccer teams (the Quakers)! If any family members are interested in finding out more about Sheila's original home town, please feel free to contact this fellow Darlingtonian who lives on Main Street in Exeter. Sincerely, Alex McCallum.
Nancy and Frank Tetz
January 12, 2010
We can understand how our long time friend, Ken, fell in love with Sheila. Having met Sheila only twice, most recently en route to Maine in late May, we connected immediately, as if we too were long time friends. Sheila was so engaging - her love of life and adventure was captivating. And it was wonderful how she and Ken interacted with such caring and joy. How tragic that her accident precluded our introducing her to Silver Bay and Saratoga Springs, as planned.
Our hearts go out to Sheila's family, as well as to Ken and his family.
Sheila sailing in Spain last Easter
Ann Taylor
January 12, 2010
To Ron, Pete, Julie, Murray and your families,
We were shocked and saddened by the news of Sheila's death. She was a lovely vivacious person who always lived life to the full and I was very proud to be her niece.
with sincere condolences,
Ann, John and Stevie Taylor
Great Aunty Sheila at my wedding - June 2005
David Holmshaw
January 12, 2010
Sheila was my great aunt and traveled to my wedding here in Thailand in June 2005. What a wonderful lady and what an honor she could be with us. Here's a photo of her then, learning to dance Thai-style. I was so sad to hear of her death and and send my condolences to her family and friends.
Meetin of The Netherlands, Germany & Belgium
Richard & Joan Holmshaw
January 11, 2010
Ron, Peter, Julie, Murray and your families,
We were very sorry to hear of the death of your mother (Richard's aunt) and send our condolences. We have fond memories of her visits to us in Europe and Thailand and our visits to the US. She was always so determined to enjoy life to the full. The photo shows Sheila with Berol in 2002 at the point where The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium meet.
January 10, 2010
Julie and Murray
I was saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. I have many fond memories of your Mom while growing up in Durham. I remember her as an extremely positive person and supportive of whatever direction in life an individual chose to take. My Mom has kept me updated with your Mom's activities over the years and even though I haven't seen her recently she will always be one of my favorite people. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Respectfully,
Buzz
Howard Wolf
January 10, 2010
Dear Ken: We are so sorry for your loss. Although we only met Sheila once, we realized she was a special person to you. We were looking forward to seeing you both again this Spring, but instead life intervened.
Howard and Olga
January 9, 2010
I met Sheila after my wife died here at Riverwoods. There was some sort of immediate connection and we fell in love. We had such an enjoyable life together after we both thought that our happiness was all gone. She introduced me to her friends and family and we had such a great time with them. We had such great plans to travel and just to be together. I will miss her terribly.
Ken Prodo , Partner
John Kavanagh
January 9, 2010
To all the Hull/Dewdney Family: My condolences on the loss of your loved one, Sheila Eckford Hull. My special thoughts in this moment of grief and bereavement go out to you Murray and Peter, in the loss of your mother. As was that of my mother, who passed-away in 2005, Sheila's importance as mother bears no overstating other than that sons and daughters who have lost that special loved-one share in turn a uniquely irreplaceable loss.
In your time of sorrow, my heart goes out to you all.
Tom Pettengill
January 9, 2010
Murray,
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I just happened to come across her obituary and recognized your name. Newmarket and Oyster River soccer had a great rivalry back in the late 60's and early 70's. A lot of Newmarket players were very familiar with a lot of the Oyster River players and vice versa. We had great respect for Oyster River and looked forward to these big games. I will keep you in my prayers and wish you peace.
Tim Wheeler
January 8, 2010
Dear Dewdneys,
Your mom was always part of what made our wonderful little neighborhood on Mill Road a warm, friendly place to grow up. I am praying for you all.
Barbara and Bill Doyle
January 8, 2010
We knew Sheila and John when hey first came to Dartmouth. I remember my awe at Shiela's ability to keep all her balls in the air. Barbara Doyle
Pamela Weeks
January 8, 2010
Dear Dewdney/Hull FAmilies, I have such wonderful memories of your mother from Oyster River Ski Team years. She and my mother were great pals. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Pam Weeks
Elaine O'Malley
January 8, 2010
Dear Ron, Peter, Julie, and Murray,
As one who used to live on Packers Falls Rd, I remember feeling like we - the Deweys and Dewdneys - defined that space. Your mother played no small role. I remember her commanding a wonderful, no-noise respect, mixed with an obvious warmth and easy reaching out.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you,
Elaine Dewey O'Malley
January 8, 2010
To Sheila's family,
Sincere condolences for the untimely demise of your mother and grandmother. I will always remember Sheila from my many years of playing bridge. She was a special lady.
Rhoda and Paul St. Laurent
Sheila (lower Right) at Thanksgiving 2007
January 7, 2010
Rich ("Dick") Howarth
January 7, 2010
Sheila was a dear friend of my mother, Bix Howarth, back in Durham and Lee in the 1980s.
And she still has friends (like the Bent family) who reminisce about the years when your family lived here in Etna.
It was sad to learn of her passing in today's Valley News.
I am sorry for your loss.
Nancy Tisdale
January 7, 2010
Julie,
I would have liked to know your Mom after reading all these kind words. My thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.
January 7, 2010
To Sheila's family and partner Ken,
Sheila was a sweet,caring woman full of life and humor. She and Benji (with Ken and Percy) visited the residents for several years at the nursing home and will be missed by all. We are sorry for your loss.
From the residents and staff at RCNH.
Wendy Lombardo
chris michael
January 7, 2010
Dear Julie, Murray, Peter and Ron: I am struggling mightily with finding the right words to express my feelings of loss, sadness, and extreme gratitude for having your mother a part of my life for so many years. To me, she is proof perfect that someone does not need to be related by blood to have a profound impact on a person's life. Growing up, I had the benefit of her rooting me on in many venues, and as I grew and had children and grandchildren of my own, Sheila remained genuinely interested in all that took place in our lives. She was such a positive influence---believing in young people, constantly cheering them on, and listening to what they had to say with a depth of concern that few adults have ever exhibited. She was a role model of a passionate life, and honestly---who could ever replace that laugh and her wonderful, raspy voice!! The entire Michael-White family thanks you for sharing your mother with us for so many decades and sends our love and condolences in this difficult time.
Julie Griewank
January 7, 2010
Dear Julie Murray Peter and Ronnie,
I knew Sheila first as one of the great high school moms, then came to enjoy her more fully in later years. Her warm spirit, directness and especially her engaging sense of humor lit up every encounter.
I am sorry to hear of her passing and extend condolences to you all.
Pam Nighbert Abbott
January 7, 2010
May all the warm wonderful memories throughout the years help you through this very sad time and tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you
January 7, 2010
Sheila has been a client of ours for over 20 years. We will miss her smile and warm personality. Paul and Maureen Heaps and the Staff at EHPT.
Carol Johnson
January 6, 2010
Dear Dewdney Family,
Your mum has always been a witty, wise and supportive presence for me, and someone that my own kids grew immeasurably fond of over the years when we visited. Sheila had a gift for collecting and nurturing friendships - she'll be missed by many and forgotten by none. From all the Johnson family, our condolences for the loss of a truly great gal.
Christie Smith-Conway
January 6, 2010
Dear Murray, Julie, Peter and Ron...Our families were deeply saddened to hear of this tragic loss. I recently moved back to Durham and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my dear friend Carol Johnson Kuhn who lives in California (she is staying with me for a week) when my Mom, Emily Smith told me about the accident. Carol had a lunch planned with Sheila. She will email you. Our thoughts are with you.
The Staff of Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home
January 7, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Cathy Chamberlin Foutz
January 6, 2010
Murray, Julie, Peter & Ron -
The Chamberlin family heard of your tragic loss yesterday, and I wanted to let you know how much we are thinking of you. Your Mom's energetic spirit and ready smile lit up many rooms, and lives - and ski slopes. We send warmest thoughts and hope that in time, years of memories of a wonderful woman will comfort all of you.
Here's Sheila at her 80th Birthday Party at the Canterbury Shaker Village
January 6, 2010
Paul Allen
January 6, 2010
Dear Murray, Julie, Peter, and Ron,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I have had the pleasure of seeing her over the last several years at events at the Whit and more recently when she and Benji were visiting residents at the Rockingham County Nursing Home where I work. She will be missed!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families.
Sally (Printy) Rettstadt
January 6, 2010
Dear Julie, Peter, Murray and your families... Just found out through Paul Bamford of your terrible loss.. how unfair! I cannot imagine how sad you must be....
I wish I could be there next week for you, but will be definitely there in spirit with some ORHS friends.
Wishing you the sincerest condolences and hope that that hole in your hearts heals soon...
Gail Carbonneau Linehan
January 6, 2010
May happy memories of your mother carry you through this sorrowful time.
The Clients and Staff of The Rockingham County Adult Medical Day Program
January 6, 2010
We will miss seeing Sheila weekly with her beloved, Benji. She always brightened our day with their visits. We will miss her warm presence, graciousness, and kindness. We will always be grateful to Sheila for donating her time to us. Our deepest sympathies to her family at this most difficult time.
Carrie French
January 6, 2010
Julie and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and love are with you.
Susan & Jerry Ruffner
January 6, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Sheila was a special lady who enjoyed her U.N.H.hockey and loved her bridge. Jerry and I always enjoyed playing bridge and chatting with her about hockey. No words can take away the pain, but wonderful memories can lighten your heart. Sheila may be gone from this world but never from our hearts. Peace always , Susan & Jerry
Dave Lawrence
January 6, 2010
Sheila was a wonderful bridge partner and worthy opponent. She will be missed.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Sheila Hull's name
Memorial Events
for Sheila Hull
How to support Sheila's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sheila Hull's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
