Thank you for choosing to support East Anglia's Children's Hospices. We are truly grateful that you have thought of us at this difficult time.

I can’t thank Sheila enough for her kindness to me as a child growing up, she made me feel so welcome and comfortable at a time when I most needed it, I remember Saturdays being her housework day, me going back after spending the morning in town with Sally and her insisting that I stop for fish and chips. She was always giggling and had the most infectious laugh, a very kind, warm and caring lady and I will always hold her dear to my heart, she truly was one of life’s good people. Claire xx

As a small child Great Auntie Shelia gave me a ‘boy doll’ to celebrate the birth of my cousin Luke! This doll was named Willy - maybe a short form of William, maybe an apt name given his unique boy features! Dolls are not made like this anymore! This doll become a favourite toy at my Granma’s house for me, then my younger siblings, cousins and now my own children! Thank you for leaving me the gift of ‘Willy’ and all the memories that he has shared with our family. Sending all my love to the family. RIP Auntie Shelia

You were an amazing mum and did everything you could for me throughout my childhood and into my adult years. There were so many happy memories but these ones stick in my mind. Our day out each year to the nursery near Snape was a favourite, where we filled the car with plants and had to put the seats down to get them all in! The first time we did this we went to the nursery first 'to get the best plants' then went into Snape and had a lovely meal at the pub followed by a look around all the different shops there and onto Aldeburgh for the rest of the day. On returning to the car we found a 'car greenhouse' with condensation running down the windows as we had forgotten that the plants were wet and the windows were shut! We laughed so much and had to ventilate the car before we could get in and see to drive home - it was like being in a sauna! The daft thing is that we then did exactly the same the following year! We did eventually get the process right and stopped off for lunch or homemade lemon meringue pie at the farm shop cafe then went shopping! I also remember when you and your friends started going to 'keep fit' togged up in leotards and footless tights each week. You used to come back and regale us with stories of the inevitable problems of having babies and doing star jumps! As a dinner lady you challenged the teachers and my friends at school to a netball match. Dad got your 'team' matching t-shirts so you all looked the part. You were hilarious and ruthless, with one teacher being pushed over, as he got in your way, and the goal post being moved to stop the other team scoring! A very young memory was of you painstakingly packing dad's case when he was going away on business; colour coding all his shirts, ties and socks into bags. How exasperated you were when he came home with a bit taken out of each bag and how furious you were that he had attended meetings in mis-matched outfits! You were loved by everyone for your humour, your inner minx and twinkle in your eye. You will be forever in my heart. RIP. Sally

Shelia enjoyed taking part in many activities and games while at the Westcliff. She always enjoyed an activity where she could get her hand dirty, a memorable example of this is when one year we did pumpkin craving at Halloween. She also enjoyed singing along with the other residents in the home and spending time outside within the garden. Westcliff Residential Home will cherish all the fond memories.

So sad to hear of Sheila's passing. I remember "Auntie" Sheila from childhood days in Felixstowe and visiting Sheila and Frank's house in Exeter Road. We all looked forward to those visits, with Sheila and my late Mum, Vi, chatting away. Sheila always put a smile on our faces and was a great friend to Vi. I remember special holidays with Sheila, Frank, Sally and Tricia in Devon, staying at Kingskerswell and Marldon near Paignton. It was memorable for me being part of a group, going for afternoons on Broadsands Beach, touring Dartmoor and all of us, including Sheila and Vi, clambering over the rocks to visit the waterfall at Lydford Gorge. My memories of Sheila will be forever of her warmth, generosity, and illuminating smile. My best wishes to Sally and Tricia and all the family. David Berrisford

Sleep peacefully dear Auntie Sheila, such a full life you led, you now deserve to rest. We as a family shared so much fun and laughter with you especially at Christmas time and holidays at Walton on the Naze, they were the best. We loved going to ‘ Auntie Sheila's’ on boxing day as we thought you were so posh with your wonderful decorations and spread of food that went on and on and on through the day, the sherry trifle that got stronger and stronger as the years passed. Thank goodness the day was interspersed with games which were always full of exuberance and vitality helping to burn off the contents of our stomachs! The winners could choose gifts from your little box of prizes; lots of goodies including many Avon bargains, especially hand cream, I still think of you whenever I see it. Adam and Katie came along and they too remember the celebrations and Katie still carries on some of ‘Auntie Sheila’s’ traditions at Christmas and New Year. The year Sheila tried to paint her drawing pins white! She had pinned decorations to the ceiling but wanted them to match the white plaster, who else would do this I wonder? Of course she fell and spilt the tin of paint on the carpet and ended up covered in bruises, just one of her many accidents. We all grow older and time may pass but the memories of all those treasured times will be remembered always. Such a special lady, may you now rest in peace. With all my love Jane xx

Aunty Sheila was a warm, bubbly, fun person. My greatest memories which I enjoyed greatly was when Aunty Sheila and her family came to our house when we were children and also when we went to Corton and Lowestoft on holiday and going for walks listening to her nattering with Mum and me and also going to Felixstowe and meeting all the extended families at her house were good times. I will treasure those memories for ever.

Goodbye to my dear sister. A kind, considerate, generous, funny, talented woman - my saviour and friend. Sheila took me under her wing when I was little, she talked to me , painted pictures, embroidered and made up comical stories to tell me. One of my special joys was when we pretended to be opera singers and bashed out notes on the piano , no song no tune just a cacophony of noise and laughter. Sheila would take me out to the park, even if she was meeting friends and I was known as 'little sister' and we always had ice-creams - a luxury in those days. For several years running Sheila and Frank gave me my first experiences of travel - trips to London by train to see the sights and the Christmas pantomime. On one occasion I proudly came home with a photograph of Dick Whittington's cat! Sheila made my life happy, exciting, adventurous and fun. My memories of Sheila as a teenager - once she was coming home late from the dance hall when she fell down an open grate and landed in a pub cellar apparently rolling amongst the beer barrels - she escaped with minor cuts and bruises but was furious because she made her new swagger jacket dirty. It never put her off a refreshing gin and tonic though! Another time she bent down to pick up something she'd dropped on the floor and our cat pounced on her head presumably thinking she was the ginger Tom from across the road - it horrified me as the blood trickled down her face! After I married and the kids came along we enjoyed many chaotic Christmases - opening presents, playing games, cooking, eating and washing up!! - ( no dishwasher in those days) and caravan holidays together (a 10 ft touring van plus awning ). I've wondered many times how did we manage to pack seven kids and two adults not only in the caravan but in my little mini for local trips to see or do something interesting. One particular time Sheila and I went to the local village chippy (the men were looking after the children) I parked on the verge of the narrow lane, Sheila opened her door, nattering as usual, not looking what she was doing and slid into the muddy ditch - life was never dull with Sheila. As the years rolled by Wilf and I and Frank and Sheila ventured further afield Sardinia, Menorca and Madeira enjoying a great fulfilling friendship and harmony together. Sheila has always been the life and soul of the Hepburn family because of her wit , generosity, positivity and chatty personality. I shall miss you dear sister as we would always find something to laugh about a saving grace for me. You deserve to rest in peace - Au revoir Sheila - till "We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when ........ "

Aww Auntie Sheila, you were certainly a one off special Auntie, with your fun ways, chirpy manner but also telling you how it is ! ,always well coordinated with matching beads or brooch, remember all the great times in the Beach Hut, , staying at yours , having parties and you giving us so much lovely food... then more food...and even more at 10pm ! singing away and seeing you cycling up the road to work. In later years, you kept that impish smile and wit and we will miss you , love from Suzanne xx

Well what can I say other than I had the privilege of looking after sheila at the westcliff for a shorter time than i would have wished but the time I had with her will be cherished. Sheila was definitely a character that I will never forget, keeping us all on our toes and with so many fond memories and laughs. I miss her fiesty ways and her wonderful singing. Forever in our thoughts and memories. Fly high sheila xxxxxx

Sheila, You gave me a wonderful gift of happy memories, when ever I think of you it makes me smile, you had a wicked sense of humour, it used to tickle me when you always muddled my name up with Salvams. My fondest memories were at Christmas, the best Christmases I have ever had, You entertained all the family and I still have the scars from the chocolate game you & Suzanne were vicious, you never done anything by halve's Christmas, Birthdays and holidays were the best ever thanks to you. I will never forget you x x Lot's of love Kevin.

How do you put into words all the things you loved and will miss about someone like our Mum/Sister/Grandma and friend? Words and phrases that are being used by everyone are fun, lit up the room, brought life to the room, caring, hard-working, creative, chatty (!), knew her own mind, feisty, loveable, chocoholic, liked to feed everyone, generous, mischievous....the list goes on. Please add your memories and anecdotes to this page as we would love you to share them with us and maybe learn something new about her. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Sheila. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.