Sheila Marie Lannoo

Sheila Marie Lannoo, 64, passed away peacefully at her home in Temple, Texas on December 1, 2023. She was born on June 11, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan to Bernard Lawrence Sova and Monica Beatrice (O'Keffe) Sova. Sheila's journey through life was marked by compassion, resilience, and an immense love for her friends and family alike. Her unwavering sincerity was a hallmark that allowed her to connect with people from every walk of life. Whether you knew her as Ms Sheila, Mom, Aunt She She, Gaga, Grandma, Sheila Love (or maybe the occasional Shirley if you ended up on her bad side), she undoubtedly touched your life in a meaningful way.

In her early years, Sheila attended Truman Junior High School before transferring to Taylor Central High School. She found professional fulfillment as a title insurance processor at First American Title in Michigan before relocating to Texas in 2008. That career was bookended as as a waitress; another testament to her warm personality and genuine love of people.

Living in Texas would put her farther away from her sisters and elder grandchildren, but she made every effort to keep tight, strong communication with them. Her simple "I wanted to let you know that I love you and was thinking about you" had a way of bridging the 1,380 mile gap between Austin and Detroit. The upside to the move was she could be with the two people she adored more than anything in the world; her son Frank and her daughter Shannon. It was in Texas where Sheila met her partner and best friend, Patrick Simpson. Their paths crossed in 2010, and their connection grew stronger with each passing day. They carved out plenty of time to spend with Sheila's children and youngest granddaughter, as well as games of dominos and Yahtzee with just the two of them (and their two dogs. She wouldn't have let us leave them out. Whether it was Taco, Skittles, Sheeba or even Murphy-Sheila's heart had room for every creature).

Her kindness extended far beyond her immediate circle of loved ones; she genuinely empathized with others' struggles. She truly related to, as she sought to learn from, people of every age and background. Sheila marched on multiple occasions in support for the United States Department of Peace, even bringing along her grandson. On weekends around that time, she'd take her grandkids on trips camping, canoeing, to theme parks, and to spend time with much of their family. While living in Melvindale MI, her home was actually known by the kids on her block to be THE safe, fun hangout where they were always welcome to play. If she was home, Ms Sheila never ceased to greet them with a warm smile (Snacks too. I'm pretty sure snacks were always part of the deal).

Outside of work and family life, Sheila had eclectic and ever changing hobbies and interests that brought her immense joy. She spent many of her card playing days playing Euchre, Spades, and Hearts with her sisters and dear cousins. In her latter years, bingo with Pat or her daughter-in-law Amy was the name of the game. For one of her favorite birthdays, she went with family to New Orleans to check out the best restaurants and casino the city had to offer. Gardening was another passion that gave her solace; she delighted in helping her family plant their gardens or tending to her own. Sheila enjoyed collecting vintage items, especially those with stories intertwined within them. Cooking and teaching her grandkids to cook was another love of hers. She nurtured a collection of stunning minerals and gems, but she also found joy in watching Big Ed from 90 Day Fiance get into Big Ed from 90 Day Fiance situations. She was an avid reader of fiction and consumer of only the finest game shows. She loved the sound of Motown music, country westerns, Johnny Cash, Van Morrison, Maroon 5, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Patsy Cline, Elvis, and a host of oldies. She even found herself front row to see her grandson's metal band a couple times.  

Sheila's proudest accomplishments were her two loving children, whom she became a mother to in 1975 and 1979. Frank McShane and Shannon Hall were her greatest joy, and their happiness meant the world to her.

In 2018, Sheila's strength was tested when she received a diagnosis of lung cancer. With remarkable resilience, she fought it, and it went into remission. However, in 2022, she faced another battle when brain cancer manifested itself. Undeterred by these challenging circumstances, Sheila began treatment at Texas Oncology, fighting diligently with unwavering determination. Though her treatment options were limited, she seized every opportunity to live life to the fullest.

Sheila Marie Lannoo is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bernard Lawrence Sova and Monica Beatrice (O'Keffe) Sova and her dear brother Patrick Sova. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will forever be held close by those who survive her.

She is survived by her love and best friend of 11 years, Patrick Simpson; her son Frank McShane and wife Amy Guerrero; her daughter Shannon Hall and husband Jeremy; her sisters Erin Madden and husband Matt, Maureen Geftos and John Rohmer; three beautiful grandchildren Michael Pawson, Laileigh Pawson, Lucy Hall; two great grandsons; along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews including Amanda Madden, Sarah Martin and her husband Brian, Jessica Madden-Daniels and her husband Rofeal, Thomas Geftos, Johnny Geftos, Bridget Geftos, Patrick Sova, and Angela Sova.

Sheila Marie Lannoo's departure from our world leaves behind a massive void. She will forever be remembered for her boundless compassion, unwavering spirit, and relentless love for those around her. She'll be remembered for telling us that nothing gets too dirty that it can't be cleaned up. As we mourn her passing, let us find solace in celebrating the remarkable life she lived and the immeasurable impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Think of her when you see a Werner truck, eat a buckeye, or hear Brown Eyed Girl on the radio. Think of her when you see a cardinal or the loch ness monster (do not give him tree fiddy). Remember that she loved you, and I promise you she did.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in honor of Sheila Lannoo to the charity of your choice. 

A special thank you Gentiva Hospice and Gloria Guillen for their compassionate care through the hardest of times.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina N. Young of Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center in Texas. We will also be having a celebration of her life in Michigan soon. Please reach out to amyguerrero@hotmail.com for more information