Mary “Sheila” Murtaugh, age 80, and long-time resident of Rockwall, TX, passed away on June 09, 2020. She was born August 3, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Grace Byrnes. Sheila was a civilian teacher for the U.S. military; she taught overseas in Turkey and in Germany, where she met her husband, Col. John Murtaugh. After returning home, she became a teacher for many years for Garland ISD. Sheila and John traveled extensively and experienced many cultures all over the world. She enjoyed and loved their many animals (cats, dogs, horses, and chickens), and was an avid gardener and voracious reader. Sheila had many friends and was kind and loving to everyone. She was a practicing Catholic and member of “Our Lady of the Lake” Parish in Rockwall, Texas.
Sheila is survived by her loving brothers: John (Jack) Byrnes and his wife Patricia (Pat) of OH; James Byrnes and his wife Susan of IL; son: John Murtaugh and wife Holly of TX; daughter: Susan Murtaugh; grandson: John Philip Murtaugh and wife Ann Marie of TX; and granddaughter: Julia Murtaugh of TX.
In addition, she leaves behind her nieces: Lisa Melgoza and her husband Jerry; Kirsten Gilmore and her husband Shawn and their daughter Emmaline. Her nephews: Terrance (Terry) Byrnes, James P. Byrnes, and John Byrnes and his wife Sarah. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Kinzie Murtaugh, and her parents.
The family wishes to thank retired Deacon Paul Husting and Rev. Antonio (Fr. Tony) Hernandez for their pastoral care.
The family is so very grateful for Jackie Bevis for being with Sheila and John for over 20 years as a housekeeper, caretaker, and wonderful friend.
In lieu of a funeral service, a mass will be said for Sheila and John, at their church, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 1305 Damascus Rd, Rockwall, TX 75087, on June 16, 2020, at 1:00 pm. Sheila’s final resting place will be with her loving husband, John Murtaugh, at “The Grove at Rest Haven” cemetery in Rockwall, Texas.
