YARMOUTH— Sheila Marie Heaslip, 62, died Oct. 6. after a long bout with breast cancer.

Heaslip was born Oct. 14, 1949, in Woonsocket, R.I., to Clyde F. and Rita (O’Sullivan) Heaslip. She grew up in Milford, Mass., the middle child of five daughters. Upon graduation from Bay View Academy Boarding School in Riverside, R.I., she was accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. She a gifted actor and a fledging poet. After arriving in Maine, she also attended Casco Community College in Portland.

In her earlier years, Heaslip was a world traveler, having lived in San Francisco, New Orleans, Boston, and Scotland with her sister, Kathy. She spent a few years in various Maine communities, finally settling in Yarmouth where her heart stayed.

She began working at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant where she remained for more than 20 years. It was her second home, working for and with people she truly loved. It was a real family including many customers who came repeatedly over many years just to see her. She cared for them all.

She received the Muddy Rudder Service Excellence Award in 1994 for her great devotion to her job. Restaurant staff recommended her to the Chamber of Commerce and Heaslip was given the Yarmouth Spirit of Excellence Award in 2004 for her job loyalty and wonderful service to many locals and tourists alike.

Heaslip is survived by her sisters, Maureen Foley, of Mendon, Mass., Barbara Moffi and her husband Michael, of Holliston, Mass., and Kathleen Corey of Thetford, Vt.; nieces Laury Haskell, of Hopedale, Mass., Melissa Power, of Providence, R.I., and Sarah Corey, of San Francisco; and nephews Sean Moffi, of Swansea, Mass., Jayme Moffi, of Boston.

She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia E. Heaslip.

The family thanks the nurses who took tremendous care of her at Mercy Hospital and supported her family as well.

A private ceremony at sea, as she wished, will be held on her birthday, Oct. 14, followed by a celebration of life from 1-3 p.m., at the Muddy Rudder on U.S. Route 1 in Yarmouth.

Memorial donations may be made to the Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME 04011.

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