1967 - 2025
Sheila was born on September 20, 1967, in San Diego, California, to John and Concepta Vernon. Her life was marked by a quiet strength, independence, and a deep compassion for both people and animals.
A proud graduate of Milford High School, Class of 1985, Sheila began her career at Milford Federal Bank. Following her adventurous spirit, she moved to Hawaii in 1990, where she earned an Associate Degree in Accounting while balancing work and studies. Her career path later took her to Casper, Wyoming, and Raleigh, North Carolina, where she gained a certification in medical records and established a lifelong career in medical coding.
In 2000, Sheila returned to the Milford area to care for her parents after her father was diagnosed with a heart condition, reflecting her dedication to family. She joined Milford Regional Medical Center, earning the respect of colleagues through her diligence and attention to detail. Outside of work, Sheila enjoyed cycling, often surpassing her annual goal of riding 2,000 miles, exploring local trails like the Upper Charles Rail Trail, Tower Hill Botanical Garden, or spending quiet afternoons at area libraries.
Sheila’s creative spirit shone through her love of puzzles, crocheting, and reading. She made hundreds of jigsaw puzzles and handmade Afghan throws for St. Mary’s Church, which were shared with parishioners in need. She was also a devoted fan of the Patriots and Bruins, never missing a game she could watch.
Her care for others extended to her community. Sheila supported local food banks and animal shelters, and her home welcomed many cats over the years—Sam, Elmo, April, TK, Danny, and her “adopted” friend, Mickey. She also enjoyed feeding squirrels and birds on her back porch.
Sheila was predeceased by her father, John Vernon, and is survived by her loving mother, Cepta Vernon of Milford; sister Helen and her husband John Ciesla of Milford; sister Niave and husband Andrew Knell of San Antonio, TX; her brother David of Milford; and five nephews, Josh, Nathaniel, Adam, Matthew, and Joseph. She will be remembered as a thoughtful, introspective woman who listened more than she spoke, gave quietly, and lived with care.
Family and friends may pay their respects during visiting hours on Wednesday December 3, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the BUMA -SARGEANT Funeral Home, 42 Congress Street, Milford, with a memorial service at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. A private internment will be held at a later date.
A special tribute, A Biker’s Blessing, celebrates Sheila’s love of life and the open road:
May your final ride be easy, and the road stretch far and wide. May each bend feel like a gentle curve, ’til the horizon meets the sky. May the rush of the wind whisper in your ear, and the sun glint in your eye. May you ride along this road with grace, as the sun sets and falls from the sky.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Milford Humane Society (www.milfordhumane.org) or The Friends of the Milford Upper Charles Trail (www.milfordtrail.org).
