Sheila Leslie McNelly, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 7, 2025, in Longview, Washington. Sheila spent her final few days surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1942 to Herbert & Miriam Falkin, Sheila was the eldest of three children. Sheila along with her family made the move from New York to Seattle in early 1960. Sheila graduated from Mt. Rainer High School in Des Moines, WA in the spring of 1960. It was not long after graduation, when she met Roger McNelly, her future husband, with whom she would enjoy a 54-year marriage.

Sheila was a loving, laughter-filled mother who spent nearly two decades supporting her family at home raising her two children, Ron and Susan. It was after their graduation that Sheila returned to the workforce and had a fulfilling career at Standard Insurance that spanned over 25 years.

What brought the most joy to Sheila was being a grandmother to her four grandchildren and Nana to her six great-grandchildren. She spent her retirement days attending sporting games, coloring, and playing with Lincoln Logs. She had a special and loving connection with each member of her family.

She is survived by her siblings, Ira and Evelyn; her children Ron and Susan; her grandchildren, Amber, Hayley, Josh, and Chase; and her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Mia, Jaida, Maizy, Jade, and Ava. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger in 2014.

Sheila will be remembered for her generous heart, quick wit, sense of humor, and infectious laugh. Her legacy lives on in the people she touched and the stories she shared.

A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held on Sunday, September 14th at 1:00 at Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital, an organization that supported Sheila’s family. 

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