Obituary of Sheila Gribbon

It is with deep sadness, but also immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of Sheila Gribbon on May 22, 2025, in Morristown, New Jersey. She was 93 years old and was surrounded by the love of her devoted family in her final moments a fitting reflection of the life she lived: filled with grace, strength, and boundless love.

Sheila was born on May 19, 1932, in the rolling green countryside of County Cork, Ireland. The rhythms of Irish life shaped her spirit from the beginning rich traditions, deep faith, close family, and a fierce pride in where she came from. These roots would anchor her all her life, even as she left her homeland at the tender age of 18 to pursue new opportunities in America.

She arrived in the United States with nothing but a suitcase and a dream, and quickly made Morris Township, New Jersey, her home. There, in a story as romantic as it was timeless, she met John P. Gribbon, the man who would become her husband and life partner. He had recently returned from serving in the U.S. Army, and from the moment they met, the bond between them was undeniable. They married and spent decades side by side, weathering life’s storms and savoring its joys building a life rooted in love, laughter, and family.

Together, Sheila and John raised six strong, kind-hearted sons, each of whom carry forward the values their parents instilled: integrity, loyalty, humility, and the importance of family. Their home was one of warmth, welcome, and the gentle hum of a well-lived life. Sheila was not only a dedicated mother but also a quiet force of wisdom and care a woman whose door and heart were always open.

In 2007, Sheila moved to Denville, continuing her journey together in a new home, after John's passing in 2001. Though the loss of her beloved husband left a space no one could fill, Sheila carried on with the same strength and quiet dignity that defined her.

She remained an active and proud member of the Irish America Association of Northwest Jersey in Wharton, where John once served as president. Being a part of that community gave her a continued connection to the heritage she loved so dearly. In every way, Sheila was the embodiment of Irish spirit proud, resilient, kind, and full of gentle humor. She never lost her beautiful accent, nor her love for traditional Irish music, stories, and, of course, her daily cup of tea.

Sheila found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. She loved to garden, finding peace in her flowers and vegetables, and taking pride in nurturing life from the soil. But more than anything, Sheila found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She delighted in their accomplishments, comforted them in hard times, and passed on her values and stories to each new generation. Her legacy will live on in the laughter of children, in shared meals, in quiet moments spent in nature, and in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known her.

Sheila was, and remains, an extraordinary soul a beloved matriarch, a dear friend, and a light in the lives of so many. She showed us what it means to live with humility, to love deeply, and to age with grace. Her presence was a gift; her absence, a great sorrow. But even in our grief, we take comfort in knowing she has rejoined with her beloved husband John, and that her spirit lives on in every kindness we extend, every story we share, and every moment we choose love over anything else.

She is survived by her devoted sons: Sean Gribbon; Kevin Gribbon and his wife, Kristen; James Gribbon and his wife, Yvonne; Joseph Gribbon; Michael Gribbon and his wife, Karen; and Brian Gribbon and his wife, Frances. She leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren: Danielle, Devin, Jacob and his wife Kelly, Joshua, Jonathan, Brenna, Conor, Erin and her husband Matt, Hailey, Nicholas and his wife Caroline, Matthew, Brian, and Joelle. She was also blessed with beloved great-grandchildren: Franklin, Nora, Eden, Daisy, Sloane, Jackson and Kyla, along with many extended family members and dear friends, both in the United States and across the ocean in Ireland.

If you would like to carry on Sheila’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the good work of the Market Street Mission, where Sheila volunteered serving people and helping in the kitchen. Donations can be made by way of www.inmemof.org.

A celebration and funeral mass of Sheila’s life will be held on Friday, May 30th at 10:00AM at St. Mary`s Church, Denville, NJ, where all who knew and loved her are welcome to gather and honor her incredible journey. Entombment will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery & Mausoleum, Morristown, NJ. Please join us to celebrate her life, and leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Sheila`s light shine!

Any relatives or friends that are unable to attend the Liturgy of Christian burial may view through a livestream on the church website.  Please visit stmarys-denville.org. You can watch directly by clicking here. 

Ar dheis Dé goraibh a hanam.
May her beautiful soul rest at God’s right hand.