Sheila Hayden

Sheila Hayden

Age 79 of Chicago, formerly of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at her residence.

Born October 23, 1943 in Joliet, Illinois, Sheila Catherine was a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Kelly) Hayden. She was raised in Wilmington, attended Saint Rose Catholic School, and graduated from the Saint Francis Academy in Joliet. Sheila then left Wilmington at 18 for Chicago which she adopted as her hometown, and where she attended Moser Business College.

She worked in advertising as a commercial producer for Needham Harper & Steers in Chicago. Sheila worked with countless celebrities on television commercials, including sports stars like Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders. She also worked on all major television commercials for McDonalds. Sheila's professionalism and talent were acknowledged in 1982, when she received an ANDY Award of Excellence from the Advertising Club of New York City for her work.

Sheila was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chicago, and supported Trinity Services and Misericordia School. She was also a member of the Chicago Yacht Club. Sheila was an artist at heart who went out of her way to support artists great and small. Local artists working in public parks would often catch her attention, and she would always take time to acknowledge and support their efforts. Sheila had a keen eye for photography and especially enjoyed developing her own works. She remained close with her family and friends, who affectionately referred to her as "Hayden of Hollywood".

Survivors include her brother, Thomas P. Hayden of Wilmington; nephew, Thomas M. Hayden of Wilmington; best friend and cousin, Mary Fran O'Neil of Seneca, South Carolina; cousin, JC Kelly of New Orleans, Louisiana; and good friends and neighbors, Kitty and Kristy of Chicago; as well as numerous cousins.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margaret; brother, Michael Hayden; and sister, Mary Ann Hayden.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street, in Wilmington from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding and Deacon Jay Plese assisting. Burial will follow the funeral at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Sheila's memory to Misericorida School in Chicago or Trinity Services in Wilmington.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Sheila's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.