Shelia Marie (Ryan) Viera, a Wilmington native and graduate of Wilmington High (Class of 1977), passed away unexpectedly last week. Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to cover burial expenses.
The GoFundMe page reads
Sheila Marie (Ryan) Vieira; of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was called home to heaven, joining family and friends who have passed on before her, on September 3, 2015. Although premature for those who Shelia has left behind, great comfort is found in the passage of scripture in which Sheila treasured.
There is no better word to describe the legacy that Sheila leaves behind than “charity.” Shelia was biologically the mother of (3) wonderful daughters; Ashley, Shaina & Marissa, but the charity in Sheila’s soul made her a mother to scores and scores of other “children,” including (2) nephews; Paul Viera Jr. and Robert Ryan Jr.
Sheila’s ability to give selflessly did not cease once her children were raised. She continued to be a true example of charity as she played a very important part in the raising of her grandchildren; Maleia (12), Anthony (11), Jayden (7), Izaiah (4) and Jordan (3). Sheila slipped into this role naturally, as she was born with a gift to nurture and love without condition. There is no better quality that a child can ask for than to be loved without condition, and Sheila’s legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren, as they truly learned from the best!
Sheila graduated, class of 1977, from Wilmington High (Wilmington, MA). Sheila met her beloved Anthony (Tony) Vieira when she was 13 years old in Wilmington and never sought after another. They celebrated a life and legacy of 40 years together, and celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on April 12, 2015.
On August 24, 2015 Sheila collapsed at home. We live in an era in which a touch of a button will yield practically any answer that we seek. Sadly, there is no button to touch that will produce an answer for this event. Sheila was hospitalized, at Maine Medical Center, and remained on life-support for ten days before she took flight to her final destination.
Although the finality of goodbye is tragic for the family, the outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, and they are sincerely grateful. Like many so many others, Sheila and Tony “paid it forward” more that “paying themselves.” Sheila was so young. There was no reason to think about financial preparations for end of life arrangements. If Sheila touched your life for good, please consider donating to her family at this time so they may have the ability to honor her life with respect and dignity that they desire for Sheila and, as you already know, Sheila deserves.
If you knew Shelia and would like to contribute to her burial fund, donate HERE.
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