Joyal, Sheila Marie (Bowes) of West Roxbury passed away on February 26, 2026 peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old. On that day, she was reunited in heaven with her beloved parents James and Helen Bowes.
Beloved wife of 62 years of Alfred “Al” Joyal. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised a family rooted in love. Sheila was the devoted mother of Stephen Joyal and his wife Karen, Kevin Joyal, Denise Petrella and her husband Robert and Nicole McNeil and her husband Robert. Cherished “Grammy/Mimi” to her thirteen grandchildren - Kayla, Benjamin (and his wife Natalie), Julia, Jackson, Jayna, Andrew, Colin, Meaghan, Molly, Robert, Annalee, Michael and Timothy, as well as two great grandchildren, Benjamin and Amalia. Loving sister-in-law of Louise O’Brien and her husband John, Marie Schaechter and her husband Ulrich, and the late Raymond Joyal and his wife Ellen. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Sheila was born and raised in West Roxbury, the only child of James and Helen Bowes. Sheila and Al made their home in West Roxbury where they raised their four children. She was an active member of St. Theresa Parish. She worked for years at Catholic Memorial School. But her most cherished role was being a devoted grandmother. She played an active role in each of her grandchildren’s lives. She was present at every game, recital, concert and graduation. She was truly her grandchildren’s biggest fan.
Sheila spent her summers at her home in Marshfield which grew to be a family summer home for all of the cousins. It was here that family bonds were strengthened and lifelong friendships were made. Sheila’s life was not defined by grand gestures. It was defined by being present with warmth, with patience, and with the quiet certainty that her family always came first.
Sheila’s family is deeply grateful to the staff of Faulkner Hospital, the Altenheim Rehab Center and the staff at Care Dimensions Hospice for their excellent care and kindness. A special thank you to Debbie Farrell-Smith, her lifelong hairdresser and friend. She was deeply loved and will be missed by all.
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Sunday, March 1st from 3:00-7:00pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Monday, March 2nd at 12:15pm followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Theresa of Avila Church at 1:00pm. Interment Mt. Benedict Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sheila may be made to Annaspals.org.
For guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.