Shelia Elizabeth Keneally Haran, wife, mother, grandmother and avid sports fan of the Butte Central Maroons and the fighting Irish of Notre Dame died peacefully at the home of her daughter Meg on Sunday, September 11, 2016.
Shelia was born on March 20, 1929, in Butte MT to Agatha (Grandpre) and Michael J. Keneally. Sheila attended St. Patrick's grade school and Girl Central High School and went on to St. Mary's College in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Shelia found the love of her life, Robert J. "Bob" Haran and the two of them had a story book romance. Withstanding time and a war they waited for one another and eventually married June 28th, 1949. In 51 years together they raised 7 children and enjoyed 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was the happiest when surrounded by family.
Sheila was beautiful seamstress, an avid bowler, and enjoyed being a member of the daughters of Isabella; the Hennessy retired group luncheons, Knights of Columbus Ladies, and Ladies of Ancient Hibernians group. Sheila never missed a Butte Central sporting event and was a dedicated fan of all of her children and grandchildren.
Very few people in this world possessed what Sheila did. She was forgiving, loving, supportive, funny, kind to everyone she met, and not only the toughest woman physically but mentally as well. Her greatest asset was a smile that warmed your heart and could lift your spirits in an instant.
Sheila is preceded in death by the love of her life, Bob Haran and her parents Agatha and Michael Keneally.
Sheila is survived by her 4 daughters and 3 sons: Kathy (Bill) Baertsch of Helena, Mike Haran of Boulder, Colleen Haran of Butte, Pat Haran (Randy Napier) of Billings, Maureen (Terry) Price of Missoula, Dan (Misty) Haran of Missoula, and Meg Murphy of Butte. 18 Grandchildren: Brad and Stephanie Baertsch, Mickey (Aimee) Haran, Stacey (Brian) Doherty, Chris (Lyndsy) Haran, Megan (Chris) Moore, Trever Price, Bobby Haran, Justin (Kimberly) Rhodes, Jared, Joslyn, Gage, Dreayla, and Shelby Haran, Alex, Lexie, and Kailee Murphy. 12 Great Grandchildren: Mckenzie, Tyce, Renzie, Zoe, and Rye Doherty, Sylver Haran, Tiler and Tegan Haran, Kade and Kambrie Moore, Annaleigh and Dominic Rhodes.
A special thank you to Tammy O'Rourke who graciously volunteered her time to helping Sheila in her last few years.
Cremation has taken place. Family visitations will start at 12p.m. at St. Patrick's church with services to follow at 1 p.m. A reception will take place immediately following cemetery services at the Knights of Columbus.
Memorials in memory of Shelia may be made to Butte Central Girl's Athletics or Scholarship Fund.
To all those who were touched by Sheila and to those who touched her heart, we want to thank you for loving the woman that inspired, supported, and encouraged us all.
We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide;
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.