Sheelagh McKillop

Sheelagh McKillop (Breen) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday June 5, 2026, after a brief illness. Born January 11, 1944, in Belfast, Ireland, and raised by her dear grandfather Vincent Breen, she married the love of her life, Al McKillop at the age of 19. Having both being raised without mothers or fathers, they created their own family with sons Paul and Al and daughter Caroline.

 Sheelagh worked as a telephone operator and as a clerk for the Civil Service in Belfast. In 1985 the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Akron to be close to Sheelagh’s favorite cousin, John Magoolaghan. Sheelagh suffered the untimely deaths of both sons. Through it all she remained deeply committed to her remaining family and she and Al celebrated 56 years of marriage before his death in 2019. Her lovely Irish accent was showcased in her work as a receptionist at Fairlawn Country Club and later at Portage Country Club. She was fearless, funny and unapologetic in her opinions. In the end she said she had no regrets.

 Sheelagh is survived by her loving family: daughter Caroline, son-in-law Rob, granddaughters Jade and Erin, and her very dear friends Jeannie Yost, Jugo Burzic, Terry House, and Lucia Guillen, who were always there when she needed help, and numerous Irish cousins. 

Special thanks to her cousins Sharon and David Magoolaghan for their comfort and support in her final hours, and to all the family and friends who reached out at this difficult time, and also to the staff at Summa Hospital for their incredible care and kindness. No services. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)