Hartland, VT – "If Love Could Have Saved Her, She Would Have Lived Forever." Sheilla C. Files, 74, passed away on September 26th, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sheilla's life began on May 11th, 1947. Sheilla was the first daughter born to Timothy Callahan, Sr., and Pearl Hayes Callahan. Over her lifetime, Sheilla attended 26 total schools, and maintained an A+ average throughout; graduating from Windsor High School in 1965.

On June 11th, 1966 she wed David Earl Files, of Windsor, VT. They had 3 children, Tammie (Putnam), Deborah (Sleeper) and Christine (Files). From her earliest memories, Sheilla was driven to be "more". While working full time as a paralegal, and being a mother and wife, a colleague once told her "women would never make good lawyers." In what would become her trademark in life – she would do "It", and do "it" better than them, because they said she couldn't. Sheilla went on to take college classes, becoming the first female to graduate from Vermont Community College with an Associate's degree (with honors), and then went on to receive her BA from Boston University. At age 47, she graduated from Vermont Law School. She worked her way up to partner in a prestigious law firm, and eventually went on to become a sole practitioner. She was admired by her peers for her meticulous attention to detail, her ability to listen, and mediate even the hardest family law cases.

In addition to her legal career, she become active in the Business and Professional Women's group (BPW), becoming President of the Windsor chapter. After retiring from law practice, she co-founded with daughter Chris, Christine's Bridal & Prom in Hartland, VT. She took great joy in helping many young girls find the perfect prom dress; or for a young woman, the wedding dress of her dreams. She was truly happy doing this, as she loved being part of the joy of their "big day".

However important her professional career was, her family was always her top priority. She prided herself on hosting every holiday event, her doors were always open. Both strangers and family were invited, and became lifelong friends, due to her warm personality, and her genuineness. All who met her, respected and loved her. And of course, her pies, and homemade meals, filled with laughter, never failed to leave a lasting impression.

She will be remembered for her compassion, ability to listen, her love of taking a back road, and mostly, her love for being with her family. As a Wife, a Mother, a Grandmother, an Aunt, a daughter or a sister, her legacy is love.

Sheilla is predeceased by her husband David, her parents, and her sister Roaine "Midge" Lyons. She is survived by her three daughters and son-in-laws, 3 granddaughters, 3 brothers and a sister.

A Celebration of Life party will be held at a future date for family and friends. Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to an animal shelter of choice.