1949 – 2022
Woodstock – Sheila (Stilu) Gough, 72, of Rocky Hill Rd, passed away peacefully at her home with her husband Rowland, her sister Tami, cousin Marlene and granddaughter Cheyenne by her side on the morning of Sunday, April 10, 2022. She was born on April 28, 1949 in Putnam CT, the daughter of the late Demitri and Myrtle (Chickering) Stilu.
Sheila attended Nichols College and went on to graduate with an associate degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She worked for American Optical for 38 years. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Putnam VFW Albert Breault Post # 1523. She enjoyed cooking, going to the casinos, traveling to New York City and wintering in Port Charlotte, FL with her husband. Sheila was a very caring woman and loved her family and her dogs. She also enjoyed tending to her vegetable and flower gardens and going to the beach with her family, however, most of all, she enjoyed terrorizing her husband.
In addition to her husband, Sheila is survived by her son, Keith Herrick of Lebanon; her sister, Tami LaBelle and her husband Arthur of Thompson; her grandchildren, Kaine Herrick, Cheyenne Herrick, and Kyle Herrick; her niece, Angela LaBelle; and her nephew, James LaBelle. She was predeceased by her son, the late Tige Herrick, and her brother, the late Danny Stilu.
A private graveside service will take place at West Thompson Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hartford Healthcare Hospice, 1290 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT, 06109. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Stephanie Blanchard
Tami and family I am so sorry for your loss of Shelia
Vanessa Lamothe
Sending all our love and good energy. She was a wonderful woman who made a great impact on my childhood as friends with Cheyenne. We will all miss her but not as much as your family ever will. Stay strong. May she rest in paradise – Vanessa and Jessica
Dianne Petre
My deepest sympathy to her entire family. I will cherish every memory and laugh we ever shared. You were such a big part of my teen years. Rest In Peace my beautiful friend. I will always love you Sister Flo ❤️
Diane M. Moylan-Cooke
Tami and Extended Family,
Please accept my condolences. I am very saddened to see that Shelia has passed; May her soul rest in eternal peace. My memories of Shelia go as far back as my childhood. I thought of her (and still do) as a beautiful woman, and I always enjoyed our interactions. I remember out of the blue, ( a few years back) Shelia forwarded a picture of me as a kid, with Jo-Ann, at one of your birthday parties, Tami. I thought this was so kind. I always admired your sister’s spirit; selfless and full of joy! Despite her hardships, Shelia seemed to rise! May all of your hearts be strengthened knowing that nothing can weaken the bond that you share.
God bless you all at this very difficult time.You will all be in my prayers.
Respectfully and with Love,
~Diane
Michael DiBenedetto
So sorry to hear. I know it’s been a very long time since we have seen each other but always thought of Sheila and Rolly as family. My thoughts are with you all.
Paula Robinson
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dean & Deb Carlage
Dear Tami and Family, Dean and I send our heartfelt condolences to you. Shelia was a lifelong family friend and will be so missed. I grew up with her as our moms were best friends. Stay strong. RIP Shelia
Donna L Dumas
Tami and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Elaine Derosidr
So sorry to hear about Sheila she was such a nice person she will be missed sorry for your loss I’m sure you will miss her more than the rest of us I used to work with Sheila at AO thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Pat Cunningham
I graduated from high school with Sheila. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. RIP Sheila
Linda Brisson Therrien
Rowland, Keith, Tami and family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. My heart breaks for you all. May you find the strength to get through this very difficult time. Shiela was a wonderful woman who had a great sense of humor and a great friend. She will be missed. May your memories of her help you through the days ahead. God bless you all.
Cherie
Omg this is sad I’m in shock. I am so so sorry . I use to worked with Sheila years ago she was a amazing women she was always so happy and friendly I use to love chatting with her she always made my day. God really has a true angel now. I’m so sorry to all her family and friends.
Martine Beausoleil Dorsey
My sympathy and thoughts are with Shelia’s Family! Considered her a friend in high school and for the past 4 years have stayed in touch through Facebook after our 50th class reunion.
Rest in Peace “My Friend”
Ruth Weinz
I want to express my sincere condolences Sheila and I work together briefly at Karl Storz. She was such an amazing person who left a positive impression on me that I will not forget. Sheila was caring and wonderful to work with. We continued to exchange well wishes long after we left. She was an inspiration and she will be missed
Richard Whitney
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Sheila at AO and she came to a reunion a few years ago
Linda Senecal
Our deepest condolences go out to her Husband, Children and Grandchildren! Sheila was my bridesmaid in April of 1983. She was always so kind and sweet to all that knew her. I would have lunch with her and her husband almost everyday when we worked together at American Optical. Heaven truly has a Beautiful Angel ❣️
Romeo Blackmar
Sincerest condolences to Tami and family. So sorry to hear the sad news of Sheila’s passing.
Kathy Morin
Cheyenne, I am so sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. She was a great person to know and very helpful in your care while you were at WA. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leah Berti
I am so sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Steven Cartier
So sorry to hear of Sheila’s passing. My condolences to family and friends.
Jason Bates and Family
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Gough
Sheila, You are my true friend. We had wonderful times together. You had such a sweet and beautiful soul. You have taught me a lot of things and we traveled a lot of places and those were the best times. I enjoyed being with you. You had a heart of gold. You will be sadly missed. Thank you Sheila for being my big sister. Love you always and forever. You will be missed.
Raulmanny Sanchez
Me and my Family are with you and yours in this moment of grief and pain.
Joy Bourque Tice
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Tammy. I know how close you and Sheila we’re. May your beautiful memories of her help you during this difficult time, until you are both reunited again one day.
The Stilu siblings will throw a party like Heaven has never seen!!!
Peter @ Betty Aucoin
Tami and family our heartfelt sympathy to you
Sheila was a wonderful person always a smile
for everyone. So sorry for your loss.
Nancy Shaffer
Tami I am so sorry for the loss of your sister Sheila. My sincere sympathies.
Briana Atherton
Rowland and Family,
Lanny and I send heartfelt condolences. ♥️ To know Sheila was to love her. Lifting you all up in prayer for healing hearts❣️
Cindy and Ed Lemanski
Deepest condolences to all that were touched by Sheila’s love ❤️ and kindness. May you R.I.P. God speed.
Connie Latour
My deepest sympathy to Sheila’s, family. She was a wonderful person with an infectious smile and a big heart. She will be missed by many. RIP my friend!
Trudy Bourque
Tami , I am so sorry for all the loss you have gone through.
I will always remember the good times we had in Main and us Putnam. I have known all the Stilu’s since I was 15 + years . You are my family. Shelila was a big part of myself growing up. I will cherish the laughs we had. Padraic and I send our deepest condolences to you , Rollie and Chyeanne and extended family. Our thoughts and Love and prayers are with you❤️
Pamela L Howard
My deepest sympathies to Sheila‘s family I just heard and I can’t say how sorry I am. Sheila was a wonderful friend and the best sister and wife Sheila was very proud of her family and I am so sorry to see her go she will be dearly missed. Thank goodness for the resurrection she will be in paradise with her brother Son and parents with lots of love.
Rich George
We are missing you already Sheila, you’re one in ten million. May you rest in peace, no words can convey the sympathy and remembrances of you. You will never be forgotten. God Bless. -Richie
Holly. Lafrance
My prayers, condolences to Rolly, Cheyenne, Tami, family. She was a dynamic lady that spoke with such honesty ,truth. She will be missed.
Gilbert Trower
It is sad, that such a wonderful person has left us so early in life. Shelia was one of my favorite people to be with, she was one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. She would always think of Marilyn and I when we would be going north, she would have a goodie back of edible and drinks to give us. Always thinking of others. She will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with Rollie and Cheyenne and the rest of the families. Shelia was a calm person in the world that was loving and caring. We will miss you so very much.