Sheila left this world on the morning of September 11, fully prepared and ready to meet her Savior, and anticipating a joyful reunion with her many beloved friends, family and pets whom she lost throughout the years.

Sheila was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on October 8, 1947 to Bill and Angie Keilitz, and spent the first half of her childhood in Paterson before moving to South Toms River with her family. She graduated from Toms River High School South and went on to become a licensed practical nurse. Sheila spent several wonderful years in her 20’s living in Florida, before returning to Toms River to help care for her parents as they aged.

Sheila worked as an LPN in several nursing homes throughout Ocean County, as well as a home health aide. She took great pride in her work and loved her patients dearly, and did everything she could to ease their pain and comfort them in the last years of their lives. One of Sheila’s great joys in life was caring for others, especially the elderly, and sharing her love with those who felt alone and needed it most. She sat with many patients over the years and held their hands as they passed from this life to the next, and it was very important to her that those she cared for were not alone in their final moments. Sheila devoted most of her 40’s and 50’s to caring for her mother, Angie, through her many health issues, and she loved and supported her to the end. Sheila loved her entire family, including her many cousins and extended relations, even when the miles separated them and the years between their contact grew longer. In her late 60’s, Sheila found herself longing for the warm Florida sun so much that she made the move there, and she spent the rest of her life in Marion County, laughing about how she would never, ever have to shovel snow again.

Sheila leaves behind many family members and friends who loved her and whom she touched throughout the years; her brother Charlie and sister-in-law Mary, nephew Matthew and his wife Lauren and great-niece Sean, niece Stacey, and nephew Kevin; and of course her many beloved Malzone cousins, who Sheila loved dearly and thought of as her additional siblings.

Sheila spoke often about her relationship with Jesus, and her assurance of her place in Heaven. She spent her last years reading her Bible daily and finding comfort in its words. She was most looking forward to reuniting with her beloved Ozzie, the sweetest dog whose love filled her heart for so many years. We know both he and his sister Monica were waiting to be the first to welcome Sheila at the Rainbow Bridge, tails wagging with joy to see her smiling face once again.

Sheila would want us all to remember her with a smile, to remember the love and comfort she gave to others, and to extend that same love, comfort and acceptance to everyone we can - especially those who seem alone or struggling. This Sunday, October 8, is her birthday, and you can honor Sheila’s life by sharing a good Italian meal with your loved ones, by cuddling up with your precious cats or dogs, by taking the time to show kindness to a stranger, or by just spending some time laughing and being silly.

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