Sheila (MacLeod) Emilio, 81, of Haverhill, completed her life’s journey surrounded by her loving family in her home on July 9. Born on April 16, 1937 to Alfred and Isabelle (Scannell) MacLeod, she attended Haverhill Public Schools and graduated from Haverhill High School in 1955. She began working at the former Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent Technologies and retired in 1998 to enjoy her grandchildren.
Emilio married her great love, Frank, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they were blessed with two girls. She was a joyful mother who raised her girls in the Christian way. She enjoyed being a mother and wife. Family was especially important to her. She savored the time with family, especially large gatherings at the pool where she would tirelessly cook and entertain whomever walked through the gate. Emilio especially loved her trips to Foxwoods with her family and friends. The simple pleasures of life gave her great joy. She was never as happy as the day she won a car for her husband on his birthday.
She was an incredible woman who was always willing to lend a hand and make each person she met feel special. She always looked for the good in everyone and provided countless hours of love to friends and family. She was a superior entertainer. Her home was always open. She was able to balance family, work and life with ease. A spectacular cook, she would often be found in the kitchen creating amazing meals for her family and friends. There was always an extra plate on the table for someone to stop by. She was full of grace. A woman both beautiful within and out.
A strong and compassionate woman, Emilio took on many roles throughout her life. She took a hiatus from high school to assist her father until her youngest brother entered school. She opened her heart and home to family, friends and strangers in their times of need, and she tirelessly supported her husband, children and grandchildren so each reached their fullest potential all while working third shift and never missing a 5 o’clock meal. This strong work ethic and sense of greater responsibility she passed on to her daughters and grandchildren.
Emilio’s sheer will and strength of character allowed her to fight throughout difficult times. Her ability to look for the positive in life and not get bogged down by the negative propelled her constantly forward and made her a rock for those around her. Her illness was a final lesson in courage, strength and humility for her family. When faced with adversity, she never succumbed to feeling sorry for herself or giving up. Her decline taught all those close to her that they could face hardships with grace and dignity. Today is a day of sorrow for all that were blessed to know her. We are saddened by the physical loss, but know her light will never be lost as she gave so much of herself to others. Her ability to think of others before herself was an endearing quality that should be emulated.
Emilio leaves her beloved husband, Frank Emilio, her daughters Rachel (Emilio) Callahan and husband David Callahan, Sarah Emilio and husband Hector Resillas, four grandchildren Samantha Callahan, Christopher Resillas, Meaghan Callahan and Michael Resillas. She also leaves brothers Robert, William and Donald MacLeod and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Barbara Donovan and brothers Alfred and James MacLeod.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, July 12, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 South Main St., Haverhill from 4-7 p.m. Services will be Friday morning in the funeral home at 11 am. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions may be made in Sheila’s memory to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.