Sheila Margaret Pierce Stickles, 75, passed away peacefully on March 2 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Eastbourne, England, in 1950, Sheila moved to the United States with her family at the age of 4, and grew up in Stratford. Sheila earned a degree in English literature from Bridgeport University where she developed a true passion for the written word. She could recite Chaucer in Middle English and Shakespeare, as well. Her most prized possession was a complete multi-volume set of the Oxford English Dictionary. She shared her love of language by volunteering to read to children, and with members of her cherished book club, whose friendships spanned decades. In between earning an undergraduate degree in English literature and a master’s degree in accounting at Western Connecticut State University, Sheila met her husband, Devery, at Fairfield Hills Hospital in Newtown. They then left to spend a few years in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, returning to Newtown to marry and to start a family and a business together. He was by her side every single day and was there to hold her hand when she passed.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents and her brother David.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Devery Stickles; her children, Kate Stickles (Michael Verrino) and Brian Stickles (Erin Reilly); her granddaughter, Eleanor; her brother, Alan Pierce; and her many, many friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Warner Loft space at The Foundry in Sandy Hook on Tuesday, March 10, from 4-7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Sheila’s memory to the Cyrenius H. Booth Library in Newtown, in honor of her lifelong commitment to sharing the joy of reading, or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Sheila will always be remembered for her sharp mind and warm heart.