Sheila Ann Sykes

1954 - 2022

Sheila Ann Sykes
February 6, 1954 - June 25, 2022
A strong-willed, savvy and perpetually stylish woman, Sheila Ann Sykes passed away with her beloved brother Mariano (Mario) Puglia by her side on June 25, 2022. Her battle was long, and began with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
Born in Alexandria, VA, on February 6, 1954, Sheila lost her mother at a young age. As a young adult she drove away from her hometown with her sister, crossing the country together to start anew.
As a child Sheila was mischievous, sharp and full of moxie. Sometimes she'd tease the local boys, then run to her backyard where her German Shepherd was sure to protect her.
Always tailored from head to toe, she was known for her impeccable look and avant garde style. She turned heads wherever she went, making everything she wore look impossibly expensive. She had a sixth sense for fashion trends, playfully called herself a "professional shopper," and was revered by sales clerks and other fashionistas from San Francisco to Beverly Hills.
Her skin was immaculate, cared for even in the days leading up to her death by her doting brother. From nail tips to toes, she was always flawless, never a hair out of place.
Every time Mariano would introduce Sheila to a new friend, they would comment that she had class that couldn't be bought. It was the way she stood, her mannerisms, how she would ask a question, the way she would respond or choose not to.
Her curiosity was palpable, and manifested in her interest in all she encountered. She had a gift for making everyone feel special - and the unique ability to bend people to her will.
She cared deeply for others, and in 1992 founded a nonprofit organization that was devoted to rescued runaway girls from ages 7 to 17. She took pride in teaching the girls how to navigate life gracefully and earn the respect of others. It closed after she became ill and could no longer manage it with the same level of intensity.
A coffee aficionado, she loved popping into different shops in the morning to order drink after drink. When she was intubated and they offered to spray her mouth with ice water, she quipped, "can't it be iced coffee?"
In 2010 she was the recipient of a heart and double lung transplant. Soon after she received a kidney transplant from her younger brother Mariano. This earned her an additional 12 years of life which allowed her to survive, thrive and outlive her father who died in March at the age of 101 ½.
Mariano was her favorite (playful) sparring partner, her devoted caretaker, her closest and most devoted friend. The two were each other's safe space and favorite companion. Although forces tried to tear them apart, none ever succeeded. Love was their language; they were a unit whose bond was unbreakable.
Sheila was a fighter. She never gave up, and had innumerable comebacks before she eventually left this world.
In the end she was decisive about who surrounded her in her most vulnerable moments; she was her own voice, her own person and she made her own decisions. Sheila even insisted she be recorded on her deathbed, so her choices would be known. Sheila controlled her own narrative up until the very end (as witnessed by the professionals at UCSF). She even wrote an outline of her own obituary, naming whom she wanted to be included and excluded and carefully describing her brother and other loved ones.
Her message to her girls and loved ones was to be careful who you keep close to you. Sometimes the ones you trust can hurt you the most. Other advice she offered included: embrace your own power, follow your instincts and be savvy about your personal life and finances.
Sheila passed peacefully after Mariano told her it was okay to go. She looked at Mariano one last time, closed her eyes and drifted off.
She was predeceased by her father Leroy Sykes; her mother Naomi Elmore; her brother LeRoy Sykes Jr.; her best-friend and chosen sister Phoebe J. Garvin.
She is survived by her devoted niece Melina McCrary and her brother, confidante and caretaker Mariano Puglia.
A special mention goes out to the UCSF team led by the brilliant and humble Dr. J. Matthew Aldrich who gave her the opportunity to live to see another birthday and Christmas and survive her father. Many thanks go out to the heart of the critical care unit, friend and social worker extraordinaire Elizabeth Manning; Stacey Hoyer, whose attendance to Sheila at home was a catalyst for her ability to breathe; APS social worker Sara Cholewiak for her due diligence; and friend Armav Christine Baron, who offered Sheila and Mariano her unconditional support and love.
Sheila was cremated on June 30, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sheila's name may be made to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Call to donate (737) 234-6464