BEVERLY – Ms. Sheila Louise (Silke) Blais, 74 of Beverly, formerly of Salem, died peacefully, February 14 ^th , 2022 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Mary (O'Keefe) Silke. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Camden High School in Camden, New Jersey, class of 1965. Following high school, she returned to her hometown of Salem and resided in Salem for over 50 years until moving to Beverly.

As a young woman, Sheila found a passion in the Drum and Bugle Corps. She was a member of the Audubon Bon-Bons All Girl Drum and Bugle Corps of Audubon, N.J. She forged many friendships through the Drum Corps that would last a life time. This passion fostered at a young age would last a lifetime. She often attended Drum and Bugle Corps Events and loved to connect with her former teammates. It truly brought her great joy and pride to be a member of the Bon-Bons. They were truly like family in many respects.

With an outgoing and affable personality, Sheila endeared herself to many. She was beloved by her large family and always the life of the crowd. Sheila was quick to help those in need. She would often give of herself to others in a quiet and loving manner. Having a large and loving extended family, Sheila was often chosen as the "favorite cousin" or Godmother by her kin. Just as they were devoted to her, she was in turn devoted to them, tenfold. Her family and friends were her world and she will be deeply missed by all.

Sheila will be remembered for her love of family, her passion for the drum corps, her one of kind laugh and her ever-present smile. She was a true friend to so many. Her memory is imprinted on the hearts of all she touched forever.

Sheila is survived by her daughter, Stefani Ann Blais of Beverly, her sister, Maureen Silke of Marblehead, her nephews, Robert Gustafson and his wife, Beatrice of Baltimore, MD and Douglas Silke and his wife, Kristen of FL, her nieces, Mary Catherine Houlden of Fl and Christine Pollock of Peabody and many extended family and cousins, including those in Ireland and her Drum Corps family. She was the sister of the late Thomas and William Silke.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral services are private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. Donations in Sheila's memory may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/