Sheila Noel McGraw, 81, a celebrated teacher and longtime resident of River Vale, passed away on Sept. 20, 2019 with family at her side.
Sheila was born on Dec. 10, 1937 in Hoboken and spent her early years in Bergenfield. She is survived by her two sisters, Mary-Catherine McGeough and Elaine Jonas. Sheila, who had no children of her own, was a loving aunt to 10 nieces and nephews. Sheila is predeceased by her father and mother, Edward and Mary McGraw, her beloved uncle, Thomas Barry, her brother Edward and sister Joan.
Sheila was a dedicated teacher of math and social studies to middle school students at Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Park Ridge. Her goal was to inspire her students to be the best people possible. She received numerous teaching awards and was in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.”
Sheila graduated St. Cecilia High School in 1956. She received her bachelor’s degree from Patterson Teaching College and her master’s degree from Seton Hall University.
She also volunteered at and directed Pascack Food Pantry for many years. She strongly believed in helping her community and received a community service commendation for her selfless work in assisting in the foundation and development of the Pascack Food Pantry, now Tri-Boro Food Pantry.
A funeral mass was Sept. 25 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 234 Southern Blvd. in Chatham. Graveside prayer service followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, where she was put to rest alongside her mother and father.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sheila’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Source Code IIQ190788777, or stjude.org.
