Sheila Mary Verno

Sheila M. Verno joined her Heavenly Father and the loved ones who passed before her on February 10, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Sheila was blessed with the love of both her birth and adoptive families. She was born on May 28, 1960, to Patricia (Pat) Boso who, with a mother’s loving heart and a desire to provide the very best life for her daughter, placed Sheila for adoption. Sheila was adopted early in life by William and Eileen Verno, who lovingly raised her.

As a young adult, Sheila reunited with her birth parents, Russell Ryman Sr. and Patricia Boso, and her siblings, Rusty and Rhonda Ryman. The love and support of her extended family created a beautifully non-traditional, yet unbreakable bond filled with friendship, laughter, and unwavering support, especially during life’s most difficult times.

Sheila graduated from Duquesne University, earning both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees. She devoted her professional life to helping others and retired after 25 years of dedicated service at the UPMC John Merck Outpatient Program.

Sheila cherished her family, friends, and her beloved furry companion, PJ. She delighted in good wine with dinner, music and concerts, bowling, travel, and beach trips with friends. Time spent at Conneaut Lake—whether sitting on Colleen’s porch enjoying beverages and games, or on Jill and Don’s patio savoring one of Don’s gourmet breakfasts or dinners—held a special place in her heart.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, William and Eileen Verno; Russell Ryman Sr. and Patricia Boso; her beloved Aunt Lagretta Verno; her “third mom,” Pearl McClosky; and her brother, Rusty Ryman.

She leaves behind many who will continue to celebrate her life: her sister Rhonda Ryman (Jeff Adkins), niece Paige Dry (Matt); nephew William Deasy (Lauren) and their daughter Parker; her godchild, Kristine Marie Wright (Josh) and their children, Adyson, Camden, and Jordyn; and the McClosky clan, including Debbie Lesko; Jennifer Neague and Zack Kruger; Sue McClosky; Buddy and Anna McClosky; Michael and Casey McClosky and their son Brooks; Loren & Josh McClain and their children Noah & Natalie; Nicholas & Rachel McClosky; Davey Joe and Sandy McClosky; Holly and Andy Anderson; and David McClosky, Jr. She also leaves behind many dear friends, including the “Golden Girls,” with whom she shared laughter, travel, and countless special memories.

Sheila will be missed beyond measure by her dearest best friend and confidant, Jill Eberle (Donald Williams). Through the best of times and the hardest of days, they stood beside one another. Jill was Sheila’s rock throughout her illness.

It would be remiss not to thank the many friends and family members who supported Sheila during her illness—with meals, messages, cards, visits, transportation to appointments, and the endless supply of blueberry muffins she loved. Your love and care meant more than words can express.

Special thanks to her sister Rhonda for her steadfast love and support, and to her compassionate care team at UPMC, including Palliative Care, Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Hospice. Your kindness and dedication made a profound difference.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in Sheila's honor on Thursday, February 12, at 10 AM in St Maximillian Kolbe RC Church in Homestead. Please arrive to the church no earlier than 9:30 AM as there is a morning mass taking place before Sheila's services. Burial will follow. All such arrangments have been handled by the George Irvin Green Funeral Home in Munhall, please leave your memories and condolences at www.georgeigreenfuneralhome.com.