In loving memory of

Sheila Day Gerry

Sheila Day Gerry, 66, died peacefully at her home in Phoenix, AZ on April 20, 2019.

She was born October 12, 1952 in Rockville Centre, New York to William Reilly and Ruth M. Hutchinson Reilly.  She is survived by her husband, Richard; son, Brian Day; brother, Kevin Reilly; nephew and niece, Robert and Anita Langer; great nephew and niece, Josh and Briana Langer.

Sheila was an outdoors girl at heart.  Whether it was riding her horses Patch and Ids or sailing with Richard on their boat Sanctuary off the Northern California Coast, attending outdoor Blues festivals or just sitting on the porch at their ranch in Payson drinking a glass of Silver Oak wine, she always had a smile on her face.  She loved to travel and recently made a trip to Ireland to see where her ancestors lived.  She loved being outdoors and with friends.

As the Senior Vice President at John C. Lincoln Health Network for 26 years, Sheila was very instrumental in leading teams and projects which resulted in numerous national and local awards for the Network including:

National Awards:

2014 Vista Award by American Society of Healthcare Engineering for best hospital renovation project.

2003 Foster McGaw Award by the American Hospital Association and Baxter and Cardinal Foundations for excellence in community service

2002 Vista Award by American Society of Healthcare Engineering for creative and innovative design.

1996 NOVA Award by the American Hospital Association for innovation in community services

Local Awards:

2010 Phoenix Business Journal - to the Desert Mission for Volunteer heart of Business Award

2011 Arizonans Concerned About Smoking - Health Leadership Award for a Smoke-Free Campus

2009 City of Phoenix award - Neighborhood Revitalization Award

2008 Sunnyslope Village Alliance - Cornerstone Award

2007 National Community Development Week - recognized Desert Mission Neighborhood Renewal

2006 Bank of American Neighborhood Builders Award given to the Desert Mission Neighborhood Renewal

2005 Neighborhood Revitalization Award to the Desert Mission Neighborhood Renewal by the Sunnyslope Village Alliance

2001 Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association - Donald G. Schropshire Community Service Award

2000 City of Phoenix - Neighborhoods that Work Award to John C. Lincoln Health Network

1990s:

Excellence in Architecture for Lincoln Learning Center

United Way to Desert Mission - Recognition Award

City of Phoenix - Certificate of Appreciation to Desert Mission

Sunnyslope Village Alliance - Community Betterment Award to Desert Mission

Washington Elementary - Lamp of Learning Award for School-based health clinics and snack programs

Southwest Human Development for Desert Mission Food Bank

A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery with Funeral service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 24 at Hansen Desert Hills, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Flowers are welcome, however Memorial contributions are suggested to the Desert Mission Food Bank 9229 N 4th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020 or https://www.desertmission.com/donate/

Tributes

Walt and Joan Koppenbrink wrote on May 14, 2019:

"We were very sorry to learn of Sheila's passing. She was a lovely woman with amazing accomplishments in her life."

Robbi johnson wrote on May 5, 2019:

"I work with Shelia for many years at JCL as the ICU director. I'm sorry I did not know that she was ill. We had some of the best discussions regarding decor for the second floor , sailing, and Healthcare. They were always fun even when we did not agree. She made me think about lots of things. I am sorry for your loss. She was a joy to be around"

Rob L wrote on Apr 27, 2019:

"So many wonderful memories of this truly remarkable woman. What a loss to this world. We will miss you Auntie Sheila"

Jane Irvine wrote on Apr 25, 2019:

"Richard and family members I am so sorry for your loss. Sheila was a friend and colleague who will be missed by so many people. She was an inspiration to many of us as she was able to touch so many lives through her leadership at John C. Lincoln Health Network. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Sheila and her team for several years to develop and implement innovative collaborative initiatives in the Sunnyslope community. She was a dedicated leader who approached challenges with brilliance, innovation and compassion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I regret that I will not be able to attend the service. I live in Delaware now and am not able to travel to Phoenix at this time."

Sharon Mikowski wrote on Apr 24, 2019:

"Sheila was one of the nicest people I ever worked with at Lincoln. Always called me by name and asked how I was, even after I retired. Safe journey Sheila"

Frances Rimsza wrote on Apr 24, 2019:

"I will always remember Shelia as a very giving and understanding person."

Kathryn Wauters wrote on Apr 23, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you. So grateful for her leadership in supporting the Desert Mission programs. With her support we were empowered to provide the very best in high quality care for our Sunnyslope community and coworkers."

J. Moore/Volunteer wrote on Apr 23, 2019:

"To the Family of Sheila Day Gerry, So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Sheila. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Sheila. (John 11:41-44)"

Judy clenents wrote on Apr 23, 2019:

"I had the privilege of working with Sheila for many years and loved her dearly. She touched many lives with her kindness and leadership. She will be missed."

Jodi Koenes wrote on Apr 22, 2019:

"Richard, I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful wife. Please know I am thinking of you and your family and praying for comfort. Thinking of you....((HUGS))"

Joseph Amato wrote on Apr 22, 2019:

"Shellac was a pleasure to work with, and will be missed."

DeAnn Buchmeier wrote on Apr 22, 2019:

"What a wonderful woman God created ~ Sheila was so kindhearted with a beautiful smile and laugh. My heart goes out to Richard and to all of their family and friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will greatly be missing this amazing woman who did so much for the community and those around her. Sheila, you are already missed more than you know by soooo many. XO"

Tracy Altemus wrote on Apr 22, 2019:

"I am so sorry for your loss, Richard and family. Sheila was a force to be sure and will be missed by family and friends alike. May your family and friends bring you some peace during this tough time."

Anne Paulus, Director Desert Mission Adult Day Hea wrote on Apr 22, 2019:

"I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Sheila. She was such an inspiration to me - I can remember years ago the first time I heard her speak at an employee meeting - she told of her experience of becoming a patient in the hospital after falling off a horse. And how after laying in bed for days/weeks, she realized the importance of the room aesthetics in helping the healing process. When she came back to work, she spearheaded changes in the rooms and encouraged all of us to see our programs from the patient point of view. Most recently she funded the Adult Day Health Care to change the look of our patio to reflect a happier, more colorful setting. She even came to check out the results! An amazing lady who truly made a difference. God Bless."

Brenda Solomon wrote on Apr 22, 2019:

"Richard I am so sorry for your loss. Although, I only met Sheila briefly, I have heard from so many about the impact that she will have on generations to come advocating to build the Sonoran Hospital that is now coming to fruition. You both are in my prayers."