In Memoriam: Sr. Sheila Normoyle

Sister Sheila’s devotion to each of the young children who came into her care at Saint Agatha was clearly seen. She was truly a mother to each one, watching over them carefully and attending to all their needs during those early years of life. For Easter, Christmas, and special occasions such as birthdays, each one always stood out in clothing and personal appearance thanks to her.

Sister Sheila Normoyle (given name Cecilia) Sister Marie Grace was born August 14, 1934, in County Clare, Ireland, one of six children of James and Martha Grace Normoyle. Sheila received her early education in the National School in Ennis, County Clare, and attended Our Lady of Mercy High School in Ennis. She emigrated to the United States in her early teens and entered the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1955. Her process of naturalization was completed in 1958. Sister Sheila’s aunt, Sister Loretta Veronica, was a member of the Sisters of Charity, along with her cousin, Sister Teresa Whalan (Sister Loretta Margaret). The Whalan family who lived in Pelham, New York, welcomed Sheila into their home when she arrived in the United States.

Sister Sheila’s first assignments were as nursery staff of The New York Foundling and staff member at Convent of Mary the Queen in Yonkers. Her next assignment to Saint Agatha Home in Nanuet was to last forty-six years, nineteen as a Child Care Worker and twenty-seven in various service roles. Sister Sheila retired in 2005 and remained living in Seton Village, Nanuet. She later joined the retired sisters living in Kittay Senior Apartments in the Bronx. She died there January 4, 2026, in the seventy-first year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York.

Sister Sheila’s devotion to each of the young children who came into her care at Saint Agatha was clearly seen. She was truly a mother to each one, watching over them carefully and attending to all their needs during those early years of life. For Easter, Christmas, and special occasions such as birthdays, each one always stood out in clothing and personal appearance thanks to her.

Saint Agatha Home was truly her home. As its amenities expanded, Sister Sheila assumed responsibility for coordinating the services becoming a “go-to” person for solving problems. One of her specialties was planning reunion events for the adults who called Saint Agatha “home”. It can be said that Saint Agatha’s was her heart’s home!

Saint Matthew in his gospel has Jesus tell us, “Whoever receives one child . . . receives me.”

Sister Sheila, in your years at Saint Agatha you received Jesus in the hundreds of little ones entrusted to your care. Our God now waits to welcome you into a return of that love beyond our human imagining. Go in faith and trust to the eternity of Abundant Love that waits for you.