Sheila (Brophy) McCullagh

Sheila Ann McCullagh (Brophy) of Nanuet, NY passed away on June 12, 2023, at the age of 87,  after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  She passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by her children, their spouses, her grandchildren and most importantly the love of her life James McCullagh (Jerry).

Sheila was the 2nd of seven children born to Edward and Winifred Brophy.  She grew up in Laurel Hill, Queens and attended St.Teresa’s Elementary School and Julia Richmond High School. She worked hard at everything she set out to do and after graduating high school she set out to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse and achieved that dream when she received a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Hunter College.

On January 12, 1963, Sheila married the man of her dreams James McCullagh. They were blessed with three children Elizabeth, Sheila and Patrick and settled down on Calamus Avenue in Woodside, Queens where they made most of their cherished memories.  Sheila was so happy with the life her and Jerry made. She took her role as nurse, wife and mother very seriously and made sure she always had time to devote to her family as well as anyone who needed advice or help in any way. She was the true definition of a nurse… selfless, devoted and caring. She carried these qualities in everything she ever did and she made sure her children understood the value of being a good person. 

Sheila was always a very proud mother but she was even prouder when she was blessed with 8 grandchildren.  She loved and adored every single one of them and she smiled every time they were around her. Even in her hardest days, their visits would fill her heart with happiness.

Although the last few years of her life were not easy by any means she always found a way to let her family know they were loved. It may have been a smile, a hug or a simple “I love you” but her family always knew that special piece of her was still there.

Sheila is survived by her husband, James McCullagh (Jerry), her children Elizabeth, Sheila and Patrick and their significant others, Matt, Brendan and Samantha. Her 8 grandchildren Matthew, Ryan, Timothy, Thomas, Patrick, Erin, Neive and Nolan, her youngest brother Maurice Brophy as well as her other siblings who are no longer with us Joanie, Eddie, Tom, Lorraine and Eileen and her many cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15 on Saturday June 17,2023 at St. Aedan’s Roman Catholic Church, in Pearl River NY. Visiting is Friday, June 16,2023 at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home in Pearl River.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Sheila’s name to

The Cure Alzheimer’s Fund https://curealz.org or United Hospice https://unitedhospiceinc.org

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