Sheilah Marie O'Connor

06/28/1959 - 07/17/2025

Sheilah Marie O'Connor, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 66 on July 17, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 28, 1959, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sheilah was raised there by her late parents, Bernard and Anne (Crowley) O'Connor. She moved to Washington, DC, to attend The American University, graduating in 1981, and made the region her home for much of her life.
She began her career in journalism as a copy aide at The Washington Post, later working as a reporter at the Santa Maria Times in California and the Memphis Commercial Appeal in Tennessee. Later, she returned to the D.C. area and, starting in 2000, served for more than two decades as a Program Manager with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, retiring in 2024 after a long-held role focused on maternal and child health programming. Her work reflected a lifelong commitment to service and community.
Sheilah had a deep love of books, whether attending her neighborhood book club filled with lifelong friends or browsing a local bookstore with her children. She found joy in travel, from local historic sites to far-flung destinations, and she was never happier than when exploring a new place with the people she loved. She also had a special affection for the ocean and could often be found on day trips to Annapolis, Kent Island, or anywhere with a water view.
Above all, Sheilah treasured time with her family, from quiet weeknight dinners, to long phone calls, to shared adventures. She is survived by her loving husband, Max Taylor and her beloved children Charlotte Taylor Laird (Alex Laird) of Rockville, MD; Owen Taylor (Katlyn Keller) of Baltimore, MD; and Lily Taylor of Annapolis, MD. She is also survived by her siblings Ben O'Connor (Sue Silver O'Connor) of Northampton, MA, and Beth Haughey (the late Jeff Haughey) of Barrington, RI; her nieces and nephews Molly Haughey, Ben O'Connor, Will O'Connor, Symara Stone, Liam Neary, and Sam Neary; and many extended family members, friends, and former colleagues who will forever remember her warmth, keen sense of humor, generous nature and joyous spirit.
Sheilah moved through the world with grace, strength and boundless love. Her legacy lives on through her family and countless lives she touched. A private memorial service celebrating her life will be held in August. In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcomed for Sheilah's favorite organizations: The Beagle Foundation, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, or Save the Manatee Club.