Sister Sheila Megley, RSM

Sister Sheila Megley, RSM, Beloved Sister of Mercy for 50 years, dedicated herself to a life as educator and administrator in Catholic Schools in Chicago and DuPage County, and universities in Newport, Rhode Island and Weston, Massachusetts. Daughter of the late Anna (née Feely) and John Megley of Avon, Massachusetts. Cherished sister of Jane (the late James) Parker; the late John (Barbara) Megley; the late Anne (Kenneth) Zwarycz and the late David Megley and nieces and nephews: Sandra, James, Kathy, Sheila, Bruce, Sean, Kevin, Brian, David and Jane, and by numerous loving grand nieces and nephews, including the late Megan Soucie.

Born in Binghamton, New York, Sister Sheila attended Ascension Parish School in Oak Park and Siena High School in Chicago, starting a relationship with the Sisters of Mercy that endured for seven decades. After pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Education and Philosophy at Rosary College (Dominican) she taught high school mathematics at Holy Child High School in Waukegan and at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Westchester. Subsequently she worked at Saint Xavier University in Chicago in the Placement, Financial Aid and Continuing Aid offices while obtaining a Master’s degree in Theology. She went on to pursue a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Chicago and a PhD in English Literature at the University of Nebraska, writing a dissertation on the Evolution of the Novel out the Scientific Tradition while serving as an instructor in the English Department.

In 1974 she was called to service at Salve Regina College (later University) in Newport, Rhode Island, initially as Dean, and later as Vice-President and Provost. She was an integral force for improving the work of the administration, faculty, and student services, spearheading numerous major projects including the construction of the McKillop Library. During this time she also earned a MS in Financial Accounting/Management. In 1992, Sister Sheila was selected as the President of Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts where she served until 2001. During her tenure at Regis, she led several major infrastructure projects, including the opening of a new Fine Arts Center and led a capital campaign that was essential to the growth and development of Regis.

Her “retirement” consisted of time as the Director of Development for Mother McAuley High School in Chicago and then as President of St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Illinois, from 2002-2008. Sister Sheila was subsequently elected to leadership for the Sisters of Mercy Chicago and then to the leadership team for the West Midwest Community in Omaha from 2008-2013. During this period she was a driving force in the planning and construction of Mercy Circle, a continuing care retirement community, which opened in 2013 to serve as a central home for the Sisters of Mercy community which later extended to housing for other retired religious and lay persons. Sister Sheila resided at Mercy Circle for the last decade and was an active member of the community, where she was able to rekindle her interest in fine art and drawing.

Sister Sheila served on numerous boards and committees throughout her life, sitting on the board of Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Rivier College in New Hampshire and the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, as well as in wide array of roles in other organizations including as Chair of the Executive the Board of the Mercy Higher Education Colloquium, the Board of Directors of the Economic Innovation Center in Newport, RI, Board of Trustees for Trinity Repertory Theater in Providence, Chair for the Citizens Advisory Committee for the City of Newport, and on the Rhode Island Committee for the Humanities. Salve Regina University and Rivier College both awarded her honorary degrees and Salve Regina dedicated The Megley Theatre in her honor. In 2023 Saint Xavier University bestowed status of Life Trustee on her.

Sister Sheila was a caring friend and mentor to countless students and fellow educators, a fierce champion of Catholic education and a dedicated member of her religious community who lived by her life motto:  “Let It Be”.

Arrangements:

Monday, June 3rd, Prayer Service at 4:00 PM followed by Visitation until 7:00 PM Mercy Chapel, 10044 S Central Park Avenue, Chicago. Tuesday, June 4th, Visitation from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM Mercy Chapel Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 AM. Interment: Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mercy Circle, 3659 West 99th St, Chicago, IL 60655, would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home. thompsonkuensterfuneralhome.com. 708-425-0500