Sheila M. (Strozina) Lavallee, 91, a lifelong resident of Worcester died Tuesday, March 18th in UMASS Memorial Medical Center – University Campus. Her husband of 54 years, Paul F. Lavallee, Sr. died in 2010. She leaves her five children, Paul F. Lavallee, Jr. and his wife, Jill of Indiana, Faith Lavallee and her husband, Mark Bettke of Sutton, Deborah Lavallee of Florida, Sheila Westerlind and her husband, Kevin of Mattapoisett, and Kathleen Budgell and her husband, Lawrence of Worcester; six grandchildren, Paul J. , Matthew, and Patrick Lavallee, Kyle and his wife, Alison, Kevin and his wife, Samantha and Brooke Westerlind and Timothy Budgell and his fiancée Jessica; five great grandchildren, Madelyn, Nathan and Tyler Westerlind, John Lavallee, and Evelyn Westerlind and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Margaret McEvoy and her three half-sisters, Lillian Sweeney, Charlotte Haywood, and Rita Pokropowicz.
She graduated from South High School and St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nursing, dedicating her life to caring for others.
Sheila worked as an RN in the maternity department at St. Vincent Hospital for 40 years before retiring in 1995. Her compassion and dedication to her patients left a lasting impact on the many families she cared for throughout her career.
A devout member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Sheila served as a Eucharistic minister and devoted her time volunteering at the food pantry at St. Peter's Church. She was also an active member of the St. Vincent's School of Nursing Alumni where she once held the role of president, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to the nursing community.
Sheila found joy in mentoring young girls as a Campfire Girls leader, sharing her wisdom and kindness with the next generation. She cherished every moment spent with her family and friends, especially her beloved grandchildren, and held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews.
Sheila's warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for those around her will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Francis Nursing and Rehabilitation for their compassionate care and support during Sheila’s time there.
Her visitation is Thursday, April 3rd from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester followed by her funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Parish, Attention: Medical Clinic, 929 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610.