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Sheila McGorty Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Sheila McGorty
Barbara Lange
July 9, 2008
Dan, Michael, Coleen and Kate;
My sincere condolances on the loss of your mother. May her spirt be felt in your hearts forever.
Although most of our memories were from long years past; my son's, Eric and Scott Dash hold dear the more recent memory of the warm inclusion of all of you and your mom at Aunt El's 90th Birthday party. It was a lovely get together and a wonderful opportunity to bring childhood memories of family into the present time.
I regret I did not know Shelia better, her work and spirit are truly admirable.
Tom & Erica
June 29, 2008
I met Sheila in my formative years. I was a late teen when I started spending great times with her two sons that created a path that eventually led to Sheila. The times with Mike and Dan were unique in that I saw them independently, built separate and strong relations with each and like the wind from time to time we would come together in various celebrations and family gatherings. I don't remember exactly when I was introduced but meeting Sheila was electric. Like a bolt of lightning. One could feel her energy, enthusiasm and zest for life. I remember visiting her Nicasio place while she was on a month long trip to Paris and observing a very eccentric environment filled with her lifetime momentos she collected. This was clearly a woman with many tastes and pleasures. i had many opportunities to spend more time with her over holidays and son's weddings. There was a rehearsal dinner where we were seated together and over several hours we solidified our relationship. I can still remember the deep guttural laugh that climbed a little higher when she exhausted herself. She loved Sausalito and when she started living on her first houseboat she eagerly wanted to show it off over a glass of wine. Over the years I'd heard about her generosity and kindness at work and with many. She was an emotional base and foundation for her children. She embraced all her grandchildren and considered family important wanting to maintain it. My wife and girls, Sheila, her sons and their mates had lunch together just last month and we really wanted to see her and introduce her to our daughters. We were so pleased she felt well and strong enough to join us. This was for her. Our girls shined and gave her plenty of hugs and kisses. We all shined. At the end I gave her a big hug and whispered to her she is surrounded by love and she beamed back smiled and said, "I know".
Wendy Sanchez
June 26, 2008
Dear Dan, Michael, Kate, Colleen, Luis and others in your circle. Truly, my heart goes out to you in this time of immense loss. Even in the office I sense a void, a vacuum. Over the 8+ years I worked as Sheila's assistant she was a whirling dervish, a wise, feisty captain of this ship of advocacy. She was my mentor and THE most influential role model in my 32 years of nursing. Often mercurial, she would go from a hard day in the trenches to showing up at the office with a spontaneous banquet in tow. I loved her humor, the stories that would leave us in laughter at an MDT meeting. In quieter times we shared tales of grandparenting and parenting highs & challenges. She was so proud of you all and spoke proudly of your accomplishments. She fought long and hard to keep this program operating at the highest levels of commitment to protect the dignity of frail elders and disadvantaged. She also offered compassion to fellow employees in their difficult times. She was the glue that kept us going, whether by modeling the spunk, making us laugh, or offering compassion. I miss her. I am grateful to her. I pray for you all.
Kay Jackson
June 25, 2008
I was saddened to hear of Sheila’s passing. My deepest sympathies to her children, grandchildren, family and friends. I know she will be greatly missed. For 10 years we worked together for the Ombudsman Program. I learned to be an advocate for seniors from her. More recently, she answered my call for help when my father needed convalescent care. I will always remember and appreciate her assistance and kind words of support during that time. With heartfelt condolences. She has left a lasting legacy.
"Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the flower withers, but the seed remains." ~Kahlil Gibran
Rita Widergren, RN, PHN & Project Independence Team
June 25, 2008
Sheila will remain a role model for those of us privileged, as she, to
value and advocate for the dignity of each person. May she rest in peace.
Shelagh Stewart-Chung Division of Aging
June 25, 2008
I enjoyed working with Sheila here at the Division of Aging. One of the things I will miss is Sheila coming around on those "special holidays" like Halloween and St. Patrick's Day and handing out pieces of candy. I will also miss hearing about her grandchildren and all the fun things she would do with them. I have started a family tradition by taking my two children to the Nutcracker in San Francisco during the holiday season. I will miss her dearly.
Diane Jasper
June 23, 2008
Dear Sheila,
I have never met you, but have heard wonderful things about your work. You were an inspiration, and helped many elderly people who had no one else to help them.
Thank you and God bless.
Tom Brajkovich
June 23, 2008
Dan, Mike, Colleen and Kate,
Your familiy has played a special part in my life, giving me a life time of memories. I pray that the love of Jesus Christ will fill the void in your hearts left by the passing of your mom, Shiela.
Jackie Woods
June 23, 2008
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all the family. She will be missed.
Colleague
Brinda Wachs
June 23, 2008
Now my turn. As one of Colleen's best friend's from high school and then Michael's girlfriend during college, Sheila was my first mother-in-law. I remember the first day I met her on Summit Dr. in Larkspur, she was zipping up in a convertible to collect her kids and Colleen and Mike excitedly presented me as the new friend. Years later when Mike was living with Sheila in Sausalito I used to come for the weekend and Sheila would always prepare rich French sauces and we'd never eat before 10! I remembered she said she loved living on the water because it always changed. I last saw her at Colleen's in Kentfield, she was dressed all in black with great eye makeup and I felt she was the same as she always was. And of course, the sweetest memory of all, it must have been 1978 or 79, Mike and I showed up late unexpectedly at her house in Nicasio and she rose to the occasion and made us a fire in the fireplace and played the grateful dead (I think). All my love, Brinda Wachs
Bob Cleek
June 23, 2008
Sheila was a cherished friend of nearly thirty years. She was God's own blessing to all whose lives she touched. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
Michael Chlada
June 23, 2008
Shelia
I have never meet you,but you sound like you were an amazing person that will be missed deeply.I am a friend of Kate and was also shocked to hear you had passed.My condolences to Kate and family.
Joan Glassheim
June 23, 2008
Feisty, funny, often astonishing, and definitely never dull. Working with Sheila for the past 7 years has been stimulating, inspiring and amazing. Sheila’s advocacy efforts enriched the lives of thousands of individuals.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no on can steal” From a headstone in Ireland
Abby Conrad
June 23, 2008
I only know Sheila through the reflection of her daughter, Kate. To leave such a legacy of compassion, energy, wisdom, and humor is to give the world a treasured gift. I send condolences, prayers, and healing thoughts to Sheila's entire circle of family and friends.
Phyllis Metcalfe
June 23, 2008
Sheila, you lit up every room you entered. Your exuberance will be missed by your many friends.
Liz Froneberger
June 22, 2008
My husband (Henry) and I were truly distraught and shocked to hear of Sheila's passing. We had both had occasion to speak with her in the last few weeks about work related issues and, as always, we had once again mentioned to each other how amazing we thought Sheila was...I consider Sheila a true advocate, a fierce and tireless protector of the aged and infirm of our county. She was NEVER afraid of naming names and telling it straight. She was a refreshing presence in a world where bureaucratic nonsense reigns supreme. As an emergency department nurse with more than 20 years' experience in Marin, I counted on Sheila often and knew she would deliver the goods if I saw a bad situation in a nursing home. She gave good advice, she worked HARD, she loved her job, she loved her family (she adored you all) and she was just such a terrific person. My husband Henry knew her because of some work he does re fiduciary abuse and neglect and he felt the same way. Marin has lost a beautiful, fiery, caustic, scrappy tigress of an advocate. I am so sorry that I will no longer be able to tell my colleagues "here's Sheila's number - she's awesome -- she's for real and she actually gives a damn about these old folks...." I am heartbroken. What a woman.
It was a pleasure and an honor to know her, work with her, speak with her -- she was a thorn in the side of all who deserved it.....God bless her, may she rest in peace and may Marin have the good fortune to find someone else who can fill her shoes - though I despair that this can be done. To her family - I extend my deepest sympathies - Sheila was a true hero to me.
Many blessings,
Liz Froneberger, RN
Mary Moore-Campagna
June 22, 2008
My family knew Sheila from the Kentfield School District: her kids and my siblings went to grade school (and later high school) together, and I used to babysit for the family when I was in high school and college. I remember her as a witty, charming, vivacious person who was very encouraging and supportive of my tentative plans whenever I would describe them to her as she drove me home after I had been babysitting for her. My heartfelt condolences to Danny, Mike, Colleen, Katie and the entire family.
Edward Dash
June 22, 2008
Sheila and family: All my love and respect to you, a great woman, loved by your family, who gave much and accomplished more. You will be missed and your shadow long on the many you touched and helped. Your cousin, Ed
Cathleen Reichling-Hinton
June 22, 2008
Mom-
As it said in the card I gave to you..You will always be myth and magic to me.
Miss you,
Kate
Howard a colleague
June 22, 2008
I never met Shelia in person but I spoke with her on the phone dozens of times through work. She was the most thoughtful and hard-working person, one that could be counted on to assist those in the community who needed it most. My condolences to all family and friends on the loss of a fine person who I respected and admired. God bless you, Shelia.
Daniel Reichling
June 22, 2008
Mom, your generous and lovely spirit is with us always.
Love, Danny Boy
Daniel Reichling
June 22, 2008
Mom, your generous and lovely spirit is with us always.
Love, your son Daniel
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