Obituary of Sheila Hedderton Strickland

It is with great sadness the family of Sheila Hedderton Strickland announces her passing on April 23, 2022, at the age of 81 following a long illness.  Most recently she resided in Florham Park and passed away surrounded by family at St. Clare’s Hospital, Denville.

Sheila was a daughter Anthony & Ruth (Eyland) Hedderton and raised in South Orange, NJ. She was predeceased by her parents and sisters, Patricia Conmey and Nancy Pollison.  She is survived by her son, William and his wife Liza, and her two precious grandsons, Eric and Aden.  She is also survived by her sister Joan & brother-in-law Ed Wessling, her stepdaughter, Bonnie Cocuzza and several nieces and nephews.

Following graduation for Columbia High School, Sheila began a long, successful, and enjoyable career as a flight attendant with American Airlines.  During her many years with AA, she was afforded the opportunity to not only travel throughout the United States but also Europe and South America.  Sheila was a member of the Kiwi Club, a philanthropic organization affiliated with AA.  She also worked part time for many years at the Afton Restaurant in Florham Park and Hanover Floral, East Hanover.

While as fulfilling as Sheila’s career was, her greatest accomplishment, and what brought her most joy, was her son, William.  She was always a wonderful, loving, caring and hands on mother.

As a young adult, Sheila could be seen cruising in her ford convertible, filled with numerous friends, on the Garden State Parkway heading to the beach at the Jersey Shore. Sheila lived a full and creative life and touched many lives.  With her effervescent smile and her beautiful Irish blue eyes, she will be missed by many, but most especially her loving son, William and his family.

A special thank you to her friends from American Airlines, and her sister Joan, who helped care for her in her final illness.  She and her family deeply appreciated such acts of kindness.

Visitation 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 Route 10, Randolph (www.tuttlefh.com).

Memorial Mass 10:00 AM on Friday, May 13, 2022 at Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church, 217 Prospect St., South Orange.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church.