Sheila Annette Clark (SFO)

Sheila Annette Clark (SFO), of Needham, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. She was 96 years old.

Sheila was born on June 27, 1929, the fourth of nine children raised in Jamaica Plain, of the late Dr. Roy and Kathleen (Walsh) Heffernan. She is survived by her brother Thomas J. Heffernan and his wife Kathryn of Ridgway, CO and is predeceased by her siblings Roy J. Heffernan, Jr., of Jamaica Plain, Joan K. Jacobs, of Needham, Margaret “Peg” Laughlin of Wrentham, Michael A. Heffernan of Needham, J. Timothy Heffernan of Bow, NH, David W. Heffernan of Miami, FL and James A.W. Heffernan of Hanover, NH.

A family of strong faith and religious foundation, including great uncle Bishop James Walsh, mm, founder of Maryknoll missionaries.

Sr. Sheila began her spiritual path with the Little Sisters of the Assumption in Philadelphia, PA. Later on, she traveled by ship to France, then came back to Charlestown, MA to do mission work with the sick, Then, to Walden, NY where she studied and played the organ for the congregation. By 1975, facing many challenges, Sheila made the decision to begin to live her life as a traditional member of the church. She married Giles Clark and lived in Woodson Kenosha, Wisconsin. There, she enjoyed canoeing, bicycling and artwork. She found faith through nature and began her own business called “Sheila’s Woodland Sketches”.

Her next chapter brought her to Needham, MA, where she was often seen riding her bike around town. She found comfort with St. Francis of Assisi throughout her life and belonged to the Secular Franciscans for many years. First, in Mission Hill at the home of the “Little Brothers”, then at St. Joseoh’s Church in Needham. In her final years, Sheila enjoyed living at Briarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Needham, and her family would like to thank all who sweetly cared for her along with the wonderful Gentiva Hospice Care. Her visits with her lifelong friend Susan Whalen brought her such great joy.  

Sheila loved birds and all things nature. She made her own bird coloring books and would hand them out to the youngest children in the family. She would go to all of the family gatherings and participate by playing the accordion and singing or dressing up in silly costumes for skits. Sheila was very funny and always was the life of the party. She reveled at the annual Unbirthday parties and Untalent shows. Sheila’s life was a beautiful blend of faith and family. Visiting hours in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Tuesday, November 25th from 9:30 – 10:30am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham at 11am. Interment is private.

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