Sheila Marie Jemella
January 28, 1959 ~ August 20, 2023
Resided in:
Bluffton, South Carolina
Sheila M. Jemella (O’Connor),64, of Bluffton, SC, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023. She was born in Ossining, NY. Beloved wife of Donald F. Jemella. Loving Mother of Robert S. Jemella and wife Jill of Stamford, CT and Brian D. Jemella and wife Kate of Middletown, NJ. Grandchildren: Kevin and Hannah Jemella of Middletown, NJ and Nicholas Jemella of Stamford, CT. Also survived by siblings Robert O’Connor of Carmel, NY, Kathleen MacLennan of Parker, CO, MaryPat O’Connor of Ponte Vedra, FL, Margaret O’Connor of Columbia, MO, John O’Connor of Mojave, CA, Jean Cooksey of Jacksonville, FL and Maureen Roslak of Southold, NY.
Starting her work life as a bank teller, Sheila rose to Vice President manager of Learning and Development at JPMorgan Chase, later finishing her career as a consultant, trainer, project manager and instructional designer for Fortune 100 Financial Service companies.
Having a lifelong enjoyment of swimming, Sheila competed in US Masters Swimmers events and reached Top-Ten age-group times in the Dixie Region of the United States. Her passion for the sport included roles as coach and instructor for the Sun City Hilton Head Swim Club and the Beaufort Y.
Family and friends gathering for a Catholic Funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave, Sanford, ME on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to ACPMP (the Appendix Cancer Research Foundation) at ACPMP.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
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Don and family, I feel your pain. Probably not in the same way that you do but even those of us who only knew her as a coach love her and miss her. What makes her passing easier to handle, for me, is my belief that she is beginning her life in eternity with friends and family who have gone on before her. She is now without pain or sickness, surrounded by the love of God, and waiting for her family here on earth to join her in eternity.
She was intensely positive and seemed to be committed to making the world a better place.
The house on the pond in Maine, surrounded by her husband and grand children. That was her happy place.
Her smile and her heart of gold.
She was one of my swim coaches.
She was living proof that hard work (in the swimming pool) with proper technique pays off. I am certain that will be good advice forever.
I can’t imagine anything about Sheila that wasn’t exceptional. She made people want to be like her because of her exceptionalism
There seems to be no doubt that the thing she valued most was her family. No doubt about that.
Sheila excelled in so many things that the best words I know to describe her are:
all out,
all the way,
all the time.
Don, Rob & Brian,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & all your sweet family. May God hold each of you in the palm of his hand, comforting as only he can.
Much love,
Dick & Donna Baldwin
You were such a bright light in my life. Your memory lives on in my heart. I love you my precious friend.🙏🏻
Only met Sheila few times at the Swim Club in Sun City. She was a kind and courageous person and we had a bond with Maine summer lake living. I dedicated my morning swim today to Sheila at Little Ossipee Pond in Waterboro. It is a beautiful day and she would have loved the swim. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Donna Dusablon
We swam together in Sun City. I enjoyed swimming her so much.
Sorry. For your loss
Sheila was a vibrant, happy woman with lots of energy and a wonderful smile. We always enjoyed our visits with Sheila & Don at our Meet in the Street gatherings on Whitebark Lane. Sheila was always positive and a joy to be around. We will miss her.
Birth. I was older sister and helped mom take care of her as infant and child
Swim! Spend time with grandchildren, dance with love of her life Don
Your life was a light for everyone that met you
Sheila did so much for so many in her shortened life. We are all in shock. Her life mattered
I am her older sister by 9 yrs also January birth
Smart, caring, loving, giving, happy
Sheila always had a smile! She will never be forgotten. Praying for Don and their family.
Sheila was a gifted swimmer and coach. She shared her knowledge with all and her encouragement just made you want to do your best. A gentle soul, a special light, she will be missed by many especially her Sun City swim mates.
She taught me grace in the water, perseverance and determination. Her steadfast encouragement was a gift she shared with everyone. Blessed to have known her.
Sheila was one of my swim coaches. Always encouraging and enthusiastic.
So sorry for your loss. Her impact was great here in Sun City. She will be greatly missed. May the Lord surround her family with comfort and strength.
You will be missed at LPP ❤️🩹 we will miss our chats with you.
Neighbor at Little Poverty Pond in Shapleigh Maine
Sincere condolences to the entire family. Sheila’s sister, Peggy, is a dear friend. I am so very sorry for your loss of this woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and coach. What a wonderful legacy she has left behind. May your shared memories and love be a source of comfort and joy. Ruth Friar, Columbia, MO
Sheila and Don have been dear friends since high school. Sheila has been one of the kindest people I have known, someone I never wanted to disappoint. Mostly, I’ve been inspired by the love that Sheila and Don have for each other regardless of the obstacles. God bless you Sheila. Till we meet again with God’s Grace my friend