Celebrating the Life of

Sheila Catherine Place

November 14, 1938 – June 27, 2026

Sheila Catherine Place (Brown), a woman of immense intellect, fierce compassion, and unwavering dedication, passed away on June 27, 2026, at the age of 87. She leaves behind a legacy of action, storytelling, and enduring love.

Early Roots and Professional Excellence

Born in Batavia, New York, on November 14, 1938, Sheila was the youngest of six children born to William F. and Monica Brown. Growing up in a dynamic, bustling household instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for the strength of community and family.

Driven by an innate desire to help others, Sheila built a remarkably successful career in healthcare operations, breaking barriers as a respected leader. As Director of Operations, her expertise led her to work for the Joint Commission, traveling the country to accredit ambulatory care facilities, ensure the highest standards of patient care, and pave the way for women in corporate medical leadership.

Advocacy and Adventure

Never one to sit still, Sheila retired at the age of 55 to immediately begin an equally impactful second chapter. For nearly a decade, she poured her heart into serving as a dedicated advocate for survivors of domestic violence, providing a vital voice and support system for women looking to rebuild their lives.

Alongside her advocacy work, Sheila possessed a boundless spirit for adventure. She was an avid outdoorswoman, cyclist, and horseback rider who thrived in the elements, finding joy while riding, biking, hiking, and skiing with her family and dear friends. Among her most treasured moments were the quiet road trips she shared with her husband, Jerry, particularly their journeys to Northern Maine, where the rugged landscape perfectly matched her adventurous soul.

Faith, Storytelling, and Grassroots Activism

A storyteller at heart, Sheila spent much of her life capturing her memories and observations in writing. She was immensely proud of her involvement in a dedicated writing group, with whom she celebrated the publication of a collective work, Shore Lines.

Sheila’s belief in the democratic process was unwavering; she was a fixture at the grassroots level, working tirelessly to elect candidates who shared her vision. She often recounted the early days of Barack Obama’s campaign, recalling with a smile the energy of knocking on doors and connecting with neighbors face-to-face. She also found a profound sense of purpose among her fellow Unitarians, pouring her energy into creating a “Green Sanctuary” and advocating for social justice to ensure her faith was expressed through tangible impact.

A Legacy for the Future

With the birth of her grandsons, Sheila looked toward the future and turned her formidable energy toward climate activism. She became a tireless environmental champion, advocating for solar and wind energy and leading local battles to ban plastic bags to ensure a safer, healthier planet for the generations to come.

Sheila understood that the work of healing the planet and ensuring justice would not be completed in her lifetime. Yet, she remained an eternal optimist, believing deeply in the power of the individual. She hoped her life would serve as a call to action, encouraging others to take their own small steps forward in the name of a kinder, greener, and more equitable world.

Family and Remembrance

Sheila was a trailblazer in her career, a champion for the vulnerable, a protector of the earth, and above all, a deeply devoted mother, grandmother, and wife.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Roland “Jerry” Place.

She is survived by her three daughters, Marisa Hackett (Flinn), Maryellen Meleca (Christine Graziano), and Maria Meleca. She also leaves behind the two grandsons who inspired her final chapters of activism, Evan Hackett and Ian Kirk, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues whose lives were changed for the better by her presence.

Her stories will continue to be told, and her impact will continue to grow through those she inspired.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Sheila’s memory may be made to Woodwell Climate Research Center’s General Endowment, 149 Woods Hole Road, Falmouth, MA 02540 or online: woodwellclimate.org