A sparkling diamond, a superstar, an inspiration. Those are just some of the words used to describe our dear friend Sheila Doherty who died recently after a short battle with cancer. A former President of Surrey Harmony, Sheila will be missed far beyond our rehearsal hall. She joined Surrey Harmony in the early nineties, but prior to that she was in a LABBS chorus and barbershop was a huge part of her life. Always wanting to be a teacher, music was Sheila’s passion and she fulfilled this at St. Elphege’s School in Wallington, Surrey, even playing at the Albert Hall for her Junior Choir.
She gave endlessly to Sweet Adelines, taking on two terms as Team Co-ordinator for the Regional Management Team. She was a strong ambassador for our art form and our organisation. Even after retiring to Spain in May 2013 with her husband Martin, Sheila insisted on serving out the remainder of her second term. Most of us last saw her for the final time in May 2014 at our Regional Convention when her eyes sparkled as she talked about her new life and her new chorus, Spangles. We would like to thank them for the love and support they showed Sheila and her family especially towards the end of her life.
Sheila leaves her husband Martin, children Jean, Neil and Kieran and grandson Harrison. But she also leaves behind a wealth of memories for many of us, created by her sparking personality, her fondness for a good giggle and most importantly her love of singing. Tributes have been paid to Sheila from near and far. For some lucky people she was a trusted and lifelong friend. We will always miss her.
A memorial service for Sheila is to be held in October.