MEDWAY: Sheila Anne Deffely

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sheila Ann Murphy Deffely, who left this world surrounded by love on May 4th, 2026 with a legacy of a life well lived.

Sheila was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Geraldine and Thomas Murphy (Tom & Gerry) and was raised in Fairfield, Connecticut. She attended Regis College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where she worked as a cook to support herself through her education. After one year of college, she chose to begin a new chapter of life, leaving school to start a family in Columbia, South America. During this time, she became fluent in Spanish and developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and people.

Following the end of her first marriage, Sheila returned to the United States, where she faced the challenges of divorce during a time when stigma and professional barriers for women were significant. Undeterred, she persevered with strength and determination. She built a successful career in Group Health underwriting, spending more than 30 years with Sun Life of Canada. Her professional journey culminated in her role as a project manager, where she worked closely with programmers and users to design efficient and effective computer systems - a testament to her intelligence, diligence, and adaptability.

Sheila raised her two children as a single mother, guiding them through life, school and college with love, resilience, and unwavering dedication. During this time, she met Paul Deffely, and the two fell deeply in love. Paul made the profound decision to leave the priesthood to marry her, and together they shared 42 years of marriage filled with laughter, singing, travel, friendship, and faith. When Sheila became ill, Paul faithfully and lovingly fulfilled his marriage vows, serving as Sheila’s devoted caregiver for many years. They sold their house in Attleboro, MA where they had made so many cherished memories including activities at Grace Church, North Attleboro and moved into Assisted Living Community at Whitney Place in Medway, MA.

Sheila is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Deffely of Medway, MA; her daughter Giovanna Sharpe and her husband David of Norton, MA; her daughter in law Katina Spataro of Northboro, MA; her brother Timothy Murphy of Shepardstown, MD and his wife Esther; her sisters-in-law Carolyn Judd of Denver CO and De Parker of Monroe, CT and her cherished grandchildren Kacey Sharpe of Easton, MA and Kolbey Sharpe of Norton, MA, and Michael Spataro of Tampa, FL and Zachary Spataro of Northboro, MA.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Thomas Spataro; her sister Maura Judd, her brother Sean Murphy and brother-in-law Fred Judd.

Sheila was known for her big heart, joyful spirit, generosity, and ability to make others feel welcome and loved. She found great joy in her church community, especially through singing in the choir, and treasured the friendships she formed at Grace Church/St. John’s and within the Salmon/Whitney Place community.

Sheila Ann Murphy Deffely will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her strength, kindness, sense of humor and laughter will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday, May 15 in St. John’s Episcopal Church 237 Pleasant Street , Franklin at 2:00p.m.

Calling hours will be held from 10;00-Noon in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin .

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following organizations:
New Hope, Inc. - New Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving those affected by domestic and sexual violence. https://www.new-hope.org

Rosie’s Place - multi-service community center that offers women emergency shelter and meals, and so much more: a food pantry, ESOL classes, legal assistance, wellness care, one-on-one support, housing and job search services, and community outreach. www.rosiesplace.org

Women’s Lunch Place - Women’s Lunch Place inspires hope and supports the development of self-sustaining skills for women experiencing hunger, homelessness, and poverty. We create a safe, welcoming day shelter community in which we respect the dignity of our guests. We build trusting relationships to provide individualized, integrated services focused on nutrition, health, housing, and economic empowerment. https://womenslunchplace.org/