Sheila A. (McKinney) Woods, age 72, of Wilmington, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at the Winchester Hospital.
Born on January 7, 1938, in Somerville, MA, Sheila was the dear daughter of the late William A. and Alice G. (McCullough) McKinney, she grew up in Somerville and moved to Wilmington during her high school years. Sheila graduated in the Class of 1956. When Sheila arrived in Wilmington it was evident that she was very sociable and had a charismatic personality that attracted people, she made many friendships that have lasted throughout her life and that she held very dear.
Following High School, Sheila went to work for the Avco Company in Lawrence, the company soon moved to Wilmington, and Avco became Textron, Sheila moved with them, she was the first "Wilmington Girl" to work at the company, retiring after 27 years of faithful service.
Sheila married William H. "Billy" Woods on June 17, 1961, together they had four children Mary Alice, Eileen, William, Jr., and Danny. Sheila was very devoted to her family, she was always involved in school and sporting activities. Sheila soon became a "hockey, football, softball, and basketball Mom" always supporting her children in whatever they were involved in.
Then came the grandchildren Megan, Erin, Casey, and Patrick, Sheila loved to spoil her grandchildren and she enjoyed every moment spent with the kids. Sheila made every holiday special for her family, especially the grandchildren and her friends. Together they made many memories that will last a life time.
Sheila loved to travel to Florida and on family vacations, she loved to dance, shop, follow the Boston sports teams, play in the annual "Cushing" bocce tournament, and she enjoyed getting together with her long time friends. Sheila will be fondly remembered for her great smile, bubbly personality, and her devotion to her family. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Sheila was the beloved wife of William H. Woods, devoted mother of Mary Alice Cavens of Andover, Eileen Marie Woods of Tewksbury, William H. Woods, Jr. & his wife Eileen of Lowell, and Daniel E. Woods of Wilmington, loving grandmother of Megan Cathryn Cavens of Andover, Erin Colleen Cavens-Samets-Thomas of Litchfield Park, AZ, Casey and Patrick Woods of Lowell, cherished sister of Alice Murphy & her husband John of Clearwater, FL, Bernice Horne of Florida, and the late Evelyn Carpenter, Mary Crossley, Russell McKinney and William McKinney, Sheila is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Saturday, February 6th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place in the family lot at Wildwood Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 5th from 4-8 p.m.
Memorial donations in Sheila's name may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Please accept my sincere condolences on your profound loss.
With deepest sympathy to all the family.
We are so saddened to learn of the loss of Sheila. She meant so much to her family and community. As we think of her in our memory we are brought to both smiles and tears. Ther are so many wonderful memories. Take comfort in knowing how much she was loved by so many. Our deepest sympathy & love.
RIP nana! She will be greatly missed by not just family, but by many friends as well. On behalf of my family I wish to also say thanks you to everyone and all for ur parayers, warm thoughts, cherished stories, kind words (and food as well) !
Our prayers go out to the Woods family on their loss. I well remember Sheila as a kind, wonderful gal with whom I shared a hospital room when her daughter, Mary Alice, and my daughter Terilyn were born. We later shared many laughs bumping into each other at the Wildwood School. Fond memories all..
Thinking of you today with deep and sincere sympathy.
I have worked here at Avco/ now Textron for over 40 years and have known Sheila since she came on board — she was a great person and she loved her family and was ever proud of all of you. My deepest sympathy to you all. Memories are the ways we keep our loved ones alive in our hearts and minds.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Woods clan. I know how much it hurts. You are all in my prayers.
Wonderful memories of Sheila will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to all her family.
We wish so much that we could be back there in this time of loss for our family. Our hearts are there with all of you. I will miss Nana so much and I know Max wishes he would have had the chance to have met her. I know she will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew her. She was a bright light that shined in all of our lives. Loved by all, remembered forever.
Sheila grew up in her late teens and early twenties in the Murphy household as my big sister. She has been an inspiration to me my whole life. I am certain that Linda, Johnny, Patty and Joey feel the same way.
The world has lost a wonderful women, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Woods family. Not only was Sheila the "Wilmington Girl" at Avco/Textron but she was like a mother to many and took us under her wing. Memories of Sheila will be with us forever!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathy.
I am so sorry for your loss. You know how we all loved Sheila. My heart and my prayers go out to you and your family during this very sad time.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know this is a very difficult time for you and your family, but your mom leaves such a beautiful and loving legacy with all of you. I will alway remember and admire your mom's endless energy and smile.