Obituary of Sheila Ann Bracken

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Sheila Ann Bracken on July 24, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Marion, Ohio, on January 6, 1952, Sheila was the third of six children, all of whom graduated from Marion Catholic High School.

She later attended Nursing School at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and began her professional journey at Riverside Hospital. Sheila furthered her education by earning a degree as a nurse anesthetist from OSU and started working at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dr. Richard Bracken. September 9^th 2023 would have marked their 40th wedding anniversary—a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

Sheila eventually left her career to dedicate herself to her most fulfilling role: being a full-time mom to her two beloved sons. Rich, now an ER doctor in California, and James, a lawyer in Columbia, were her proudest accomplishments.

Sheila later moved to her dream location, Hilton Head Island, captured so perfectly by her license plate, "HHI 2009." Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her sons and siblings at family gatherings, always imbued with an optimistic spirit and a grateful heart. It was that spirit that helped her effortlessly make friends wherever she went, from the cashier at Whole Foods to the hospice nurses who took care of her in her final days. Despite facing a challenging battle with cancer, Sheila's indomitable spirit and positivity never wavered.

Preceded in death by her husband, Dick, who passed away in 2008, Sheila is survived by her sons; stepchildren, Kathy, Todd, and Chris Bracken; siblings; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A  private memorial service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to God’s Goods Thrift Store in Bluffton; the Cancer Research Institute, funding research into immunotherapy that helped to provide us with more precious time with Sheila; or Human Rights First, an organization committed to human rights and anti-human trafficking efforts, causes Sheila was very passionate about. 

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life beautifully lived—a life filled with love, kindness, and a genuine appreciation for the blessings she had. Sheila's legacy will live on in the hearts of all those she touched.