Sheila Hannen

WORCESTER-Sheila Hannen (McCarthy), 68, passed away peacefully after a short illness surrounded by her family on December 4th, 2024. 

Sheila was born in Worcester, Ma to John (Jack) and Maureen McCarthy. She grew up in the Webster Square area with two brothers and three sisters. Sheila graduated from South High in 1974 and went on to get her diploma from The Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1979. She met her husband James “Jimmy” in 1974 and the two were married at Our Lady of the Angels in 1980. They went on to start a family, having four daughters and raising them in Worcester. Sheila was a nurse at St. Vincent Hospital for 42 years with the majority of her career in Labor & Delivery. She formed long lasting friendships with her coworkers and nursing was an integral part of her life. Sheila enjoyed working evenings with her friends and was a comic relief to those around her. Her “work girls” remained close even after retirement. She inspired all four of her daughters to follow in her footsteps and become nurses. They saw her passion for nursing and the joy it brought to all aspects of her life. 

In her free time, Sheila enjoyed spending time with family, being outside in the sun, whether it was in the garden, at York Beach, Maine or hosting family and grandchildren for pool days. She and Jim enjoyed traveling, cruises and she never met a beach she didn't like. Sheila was quick witted, animated, unfiltered and as many would describe, a hot ticket. To her core, Sheila had unconditional love for those around her. 

Sheila is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jim. She also leaves her children, Colleen Perry and her husband David, Kelly Hannen and her husband John Laverde, Tara Hannen and her partner Nicholas Lucia, and Emily Sandstrom and her husband Ryan. Sheila leaves her grandchildren Aiden, Patrick, Jake, JJ, Colin and Adeline, many of whom she was privileged to assist in delivery. She leaves her siblings Sharon Giza, Margaret Litchfield and Paul McCarthy of Worcester, and Michael McCarthy of Savannah, GA. She also leaves lifelong friends from high school, many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Maureen Sherman. 

The Hannen family would like to thank the UMass team for the care and support they provided. 

Sheila and Jim enjoyed their country life within the city of Worcester surrounded by conservation land. Donations in Sheila’s name can be made to The Greater Worcester Land Trust. 

Visiting Hours will be held Sunday, December 8 from 2 to 5pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 9 at 11am in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park.