Sheila Marie (Cross) Upchurch, 85

Warren, R.I.

Sheila (Cross) Upchurch, 85, of Warren, R.I., died April 12, 2020. She was the wife of Edward F. Upchurch.

Sheila Marie was born in Norwalk, Conn., on Feb. 28, 1935 to the late Celeste and Richard Cross. She was the oldest of 11. Sheila married Russell Smith in 1957 and they had three kids: Peter Gregory, Gretchen Maria and Melissa Ann. In 1966 they moved to Chatham, N.J. Sheila raised her children, was involved in many volunteer organizations, and fostered a passion for cooking and baking.

Sheila married Ed Upchurch in 1975. They were devoted to each other until her last day. They moved to Rhode Island in 1983, and their life since has been filled with many adventures and joyful times. Their happiest were on their Cape Dory sailboats, Sheila Marie and Cariad. Ed and Sheila sailed all around Narragansett Bay every summer and often to Maine.

Being a Nana was Sheila’s greatest joy and she doted over her 15 grandchildren. She proudly watched each of them grow into the young adults they have become today.

Sheila is predeceased by her parents Celeste and Richard Cross, her brothers William and Gregory, and her step-daughter Melissa Mayernik.