Sheila Woods

Julia "Sheila" Mulcahy Woods, a woman of passionate Irish spirit and devoted matriarch, passed away on April 17, 2025 in Cedar Park, Texas, surrounded by her sons. Born in Lower Garranes, Cork, Ireland, Sheila was the youngest of seven children born to John and Eleanor Mulcahy on their family farm.

At the age of 24, she embarked on a new chapter, emigrating to Detroit, Michigan, where she joined the household of her Uncle Tom Mulcahy and his family. Immersed in the Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic community on Detroit's West Side, she found love with George Woods, and they married in 1959. Together they raised four sons and moved to Ann Arbor in 1966, where they built a life together. While George dedicated himself to a career at Detroit Edison, Sheila devoted her time to raising her sons, as well as working various jobs. Later in life she earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Upon George's retirement in 1994 they embraced a snowbird lifestyle, dividing their time between Florida and Michigan. In their later years as health challenges arose, Sheila and George resided in assisted living facilities in both Michigan and Texas, where they were lovingly cared for by their sons. Sheila rarely missed any activity she could attend, regardless of health.

Sheila instilled a deep connection to her Irish roots in her sons, taking them back to Cork on numerous occasions. This legacy continues through her grandchildren who cherish their Irish heritage. In celebration of Sheila's 50th anniversary of emigration, the entire extended family journeyed to Ireland, creating lasting memories. Along with all things Irish, Sheila had a vibrant life and diverse interests including golf, card games of all sorts, and extensive travel. She particularly enjoyed her time at Ann Arbor Golf and Outing and the Timber Pines Irish Club. Throughout her life she was supported by the loving attention of George until his passing in 2022.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents John and Eleanor Mulcahy, her siblings John, Maureen, Josie, Patrick, Tom and Tim, her husband George and her granddaughter Riley. She is survived by her sons Dan (Daniele Gerard), Tom (Chris), Jerry (Teresa), and Rob (Kathy) and her grandchildren Meghan (Michael Boucher), Fiona, Madeline, Eamon, Veronica, Shelby, Delani and Rachel. May Sheila's passion for life inspire all who knew her.