Sheelagh Patricia Maria Marks passed away on Sunday, 16th February 2025, aged 83, at Chichester, West Sussex.
Sheelagh started life in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, the cherished daughter of John and Charlotte, and younger sister to Vincent (Vincey). Throughout her childhood, Sheelagh developed a lifelong love for all animals, and became an accomplished equestrian and competitive showjumper, together with her horse Lucky Jasper. During Sheelagh’s early adult years, she worked at the Wimbledon Riding Stables, where she could share her love of horses and equestrian skills, as well as care for Lucky Jasper. As Sheelagh looked forward to her future career, she began work at the London Press Exchange, joining the innovative advertising scene of the 1960’s.
It was at the London Press Exchange that Sheelagh met her husband of 56 years, Raymond. Following marriage, Raymond and Sheelagh left London to start family life in Kent and grew their family with the birth of Yiannik and Daymonde.
Together, they moved their young family to Melbourne, Australia, where Sheelagh was reunited with her brother, Vincey and joined by her parents Charlotte and John. Upon returning to the UK, the family grew again with the birth of their youngest son, Alexander and the family then settled in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Sheelagh embraced the life of running a busy family, continuously supporting her children’s activities, always ensuring that delicious home cooked foods were readily available for her growing children and adding to the family with her much loved dogs, Debbie and Samson.
Sheelagh’s Mother moved in with the family, and it gave Sheelagh great joy to share her family home with her Mother. Together, they enjoyed a mutual love of theatre and music and shared many fun trips to the theatre.
As the children grew more independent, Sheelagh adapted to an empty nest, pursuing her hobbies of bridge, art and music appreciation, and opera. Sheelagh remained active in her community, supporting animal welfare and her elderly friends and neighbours. Throughout this time, Raymond and Sheelagh continued to enjoy sailing on their yacht, Finlass.
As retirement drew closer, Sheelagh’s family grew to include grandchildren, Illiana, Dylan and Davion, and Sheelagh took great joy in visiting her family in the USA, UAE and Jamaica. Throughout her life, Sheelagh continued her passion for equestrian sports, and continued to ride into her early seventies, giving her time and connection with her much loved horses.
Sheelagh dedicated her life to her family, and freely gave her time, love and support to her friends and family alike. She loved to travel and took great pride in visiting her children living across the globe, as well as enjoying precious time with her grandchildren. Sheelagh maintained a lifelong love of animals, and the care and wellbeing of horses and dogs remained a very important part of her family life.
Sheelagh is preceded in death by her adored family members, Mother and Father, Charlotte and John, Husband Raymond, and son, Alexander.
Sheelagh is survived by her beloved brother, Vincent and his family, together with her cherished family, daughter, Yiannik, son, Daymonde, son-in- law, Peter, daughter-in-law, Diana, grandchildren, Illiana, Dylan and Davion, and grand-dogs, Kira and Drago.
We invite you to join us in remembering Sheelagh with joy, and with a nod to her kindness and that amazing sense of fun and humour that always gave her the twinkle in her eyes.
Please join us in giving thanks for her life at the Chapel Service and the Thanksgiving Service. Please share your memories as we say goodbye to Sheelagh, we love you Mummy, Nana, and Grandma, thank you, and please ensure you cook again your chocolate upside down pudding and send us some down!
