Hundreds of mourners turned out to lay a West End community stalwart, born-and-bred Geordie, and big Newcastle fan to rest. Sheila Howe, 85, died peacefully in hospital on Christmas Eve after a short illness, with her family by her side.
The mother-of-three, grandmother, and great-grandmother’s funeral was held at Newcastle Crematorium on Thursday afternoon. Sheila devoted her life to supporting children and families in the West End. Her early career saw roles as a Co-op worker, a machinist, and a bus conductress – where she met her bus driver husband, Walter.
The couple had three daughters, Lesley, Deborah and Lisa, and she was later blessed with a grandson, Michael, two granddaughters, Toni and Steffi, and two great-granddaughters, Mya and Eva.
A community champion for more than 50 years, Sheila was best-known for her work at Murray House Community Centre. She was instrumental in the centre’s day-to-day operations, securing significant funding to ensure the centre remained a vital hub.
The community centre was even a home-away-from-home for a young Shola Ameobi, where the former striker first fell in love with football. Fittingly, Sheila was a huge Newcastle United fan, and her involvement at Murray House lasted for decades until its transition to the NUFC Foundation in 2017.
Sheila Howe at a Newcastle match
(Image: Submitted)
It was said of her contribution to Murray House: “There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her community, and her energy, drive, and humour were unmatched.”
Close family members were joined by Sheila’s former colleagues and community figures from Newcastle’s West End. Though there were floral tributes from families, mourners were encouraged to leave donations to the Newcastle United Foundation in lieu of flowers.
After tributes, readings, and the Lord’s Prayer, Sheila’s exit music was, fittingly, Going Home, the theme from Local Hero, by Mark Knopfler.
Sheila’s son-in-law, Neil Thorpe, said that she had strong family and community values, and she would always fight her corner for what she thought was right. He added that she was a joy to be around for everyone in the family.
Neil said: “You could have a laugh with her and poke fun and she’d see the funny side. She’s that kind of character, and she could give it back as well!
Floral tributes left at the funeral of Sheila Howe at West Road Crematorium
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“She changed a lot of young people’s lives and a lot of them have now grown up into adulthood and it’d be nice to think the values she communicated helped them on the right path.”
Elswick councillor Habib Rahman bestowed Sheila with the Lord Mayor’s award on May 26, 2022, to recognise her life’s work. He paid tribute, saying: “Sheila was not only a pillar of our community but also a dear friend, mentor, and a guiding light in my own life.
“Sheila dedicated over 50 years to tirelessly serving the children and families of the West End. Her life was a testament to the power of compassion and action, as she worked relentlessly to create opportunities for young people, provide them with safe spaces, and give them a sense of hope and belonging.”
He added: “She was like family – a mother figure who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Her pride in my achievements and her joy in the progress we made together will stay with me forever. May she rest in eternal peace.”
Habib Rahman presents the Lord Mayor’s award to Sheila Howe in 2022
(Image: Habib Rahman)
Steve Beharall, CEO of the Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Sheila was dedicated to serving the community in Newcastle’s West End for more than 50 years. A member of the Murray House Committee, Sheila volunteered countless hours for families who called the Murray House Community Centre a home away from home. We proudly honour Sheila’s legacy at NUCASTLE, which stands on the former site of Murray House, continuing her work to provide lifechanging opportunities for all.”
Coun Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “As somebody who demonstrated such passion and dedication to the communities of Newcastle over many decades, it was devastating to hear of Sheila Howe’s passing just before Christmas.
“She made an extraordinary difference to the lives of countless residents, and was a thoroughly-deserving recipient of the Lord Mayor’s Award in 2022 in recognition of her years of devotion to supporting others in our city. My thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Sheila as she is laid to rest today.”