Sheila Ann Kirkham

Sheila Ann Kirkham, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in her daughter’s home in Champaign, Illinois.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign, Illinois with a Rosary at 10:30 am, followed by Mass at 11:00 am. A luncheon will immediately follow in the parish hall.  A private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.                                                     

Sheila was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio on May 1, 1932, the third of six children of the late Frank and Geraldine Barrett. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Rosemont College for Girls.  She married Robert Michael Kirkham on December 27, 1956, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

Sheila’s marriage and family life were governed by her Catholic faith.  Her Irish Catholic heritage, six children, 27 grandchildren, and 44 great grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her faith and embrace of redemptive suffering, equipped her to face her long life as a widow, and the loss of her three sons, Tim, Joe, and Mike in quick succession, with strength and resilience. Her love of country, conservative values, the protection of the unborn, and her characteristic good humor were her trademarks. Sheila and her “Church Lady Compatriots” were faithful prayer warriors outside of the Columbus, Ohio arbortorium for years, as well as daily communicants in the prayerful witness for the defense of every human life. 

Sheila is survived by her children: Kathryn (David) Faherty, Shann (Tim) Patton, Patricia (Mike) Hartnett. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Mike” Kirkham, sons Timothy (Cherie) Kirkham, Joseph Kirkham, and Michael Kirkham. Also surviving are her grandchildren; David Faherty III, Michael(Sarah) Faherty, Daniel(Brianna) Faherty, James(Ashley) Faherty, Elizabeth(Josh) Moffat, Patricia Faherty (deceased), Tim Kirkham Jr.(Julia), Kellie(Brett) Munkres, Carly (Matt)Miller, John Kirkham, Christine Kirkham, Sheila(Matt) Arens, Shannon(Devon) Izard, Jane Skulborstad, Aaron (Maggie) Hartnett, Mariah Hartnett, Toby Hartnett, Colin Kirkham, Molly Kirkham, Barrett Kirkham, Bridget Kirkham, Erin (Chris) Brede, Sean Patton, Katherine(David) Kelley, Colleen (Andrew) Petro, Annie Patton, Patrick Patton, and her beloved 44 great grandchildren. Also surviving is sister, Geraldine (Patrick, deceased) Carroll of Birmingham, Michigan.

Sheila was preceded in death by her sister Marilyn (James) Martin, Thomas (Mary Ann) Barrett, James (Suzanne) Barrett, John (Kathy) Barrett.

Memorial Contributions can be made in her memory to Holy Cross Catholic Church or ArborWoman Health, Emmaus Health Partners. 

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