Sheila Kach

DUDLEY – Sheila M. (Guilfoil) Kach, 63, of Sunset Drive, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 12, 2016, after a brave battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Dr. Francis Kach; two daughters, Christina Kach of Medford and Diana Kach of Dudley, as well as Diana’s fiancé Matthew Goldstein of Worcester; a sister, Catherine Lavallee and her husband Richard of Dudley; five nieces, one nephew, and a large extended family. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Jeremiah and Louise (Cosway) Guilfoil, and lived most of her life in North Oxford before moving to Dudley over 20 years ago. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1970 and was a member of the reunion committee for 45 years. During high school, she was a cheerleader and a member of the Student Council, and was named “most efficient” and “best dressed” in her class.

Following high school, she graduated from the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1973 and worked there for the next 16 years. She was currently active as the treasurer of the Alumni Association for the nursing school. Her second career began in 2007 when she became the business manager for her husband’s dental practice in Auburn. She enjoyed being able to interact with patients again, as caring for others was her calling.

Sheila spent many years as a full-time mom and “professional volunteer.” She was a member of the St. Louis School P.T.F.A., Oxford Woman’s Club, Shepherd Hill Booster Club, and volunteered at the Auburn Senior Center Blood Pressure Clinic.

On behalf of Sheila, her family would like to thank the many medical professionals that cared for Sheila over the past 15 months and the friends and family who were there every step of the way. They would also like to extend a special thank you to the thoracic oncology team at Dana Farber for the exceptional care given to Sheila.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Louis Church, 15 Lake St., Webster. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Monday, May 16, 2016, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.