Shrewsbury – Sheila M. (McNiff) Dirksmeier, of Shrewsbury, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 in the Notre Dame Long Term Care Facility. She was 76.
She was born May 6, 1939 in Boston, a daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Ryan) McNiff. Raised in West Roxbury, she graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury and Boston State Teacher’s College where she met her husband, Francis J. Dirksmeier. They married Oct. 24, 1960 in St. Theresa of Avila Church in West Roxbury and moved to Shrewsbury in 1976.
Mrs. Dirksmeier taught in the Quincy Public School System and later as a substitute teacher in the Shrewsbury Public Schools. She also taught nursery school in Irene Keegan’s Nursery School for many years. After raising and educating her own family, she worked part-time at the Hallmark Store in Westborough for over 20 years.
Sheila’s life was centered and rooted in her faith and family. She was a daily communicant of Saint Mary’s Church, where she taught in its CCD program and maintained a special devotion to the Eucharistic adoration. Sheila was also a talented poetry writer. She was happiest when cooking for and amongst her large family.
Her husband of 51 years, Frank, died April 1, 2012, and she was predeceased by her only brother, John K. McNiff.
Sheila leaves her children, Francis X. Dirksmeier and his wife Cecelia of Dublin, Ohio, Peter J. Dirksmeier and his wife Caren of Madbury, N.H., Lynne M. O’Brien and her husband Robert of Easthampton, Conn., Tracey A. Hester and her husband Jay and Jeanne M. Quitadamo and her husband Jamie, all of Shrewsbury; 23 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Sheila’s life by gathering for calling hours Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 5-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors – The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again the morning of Thursday, Dec. 24 before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Honor Sheila’s memory with a contribution to St. Mary’s Church, Capital Campaign, 18 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
