Sheila Cullen (nee Low)

Born Middlesex 1942 – 2026 Died New York

Sheila was the beloved wife of 58 years to the late James V. Cullen. Their lifelong love story began while they were both serving their countries in Malta — James in the U.S. Navy and Sheila in the Royal Navy. It was there, against the backdrop of their shared service, that they fell in love. Remarkably, Sheila and James shared the same birthday—December 29, 1942—and, in a touching symmetry, both passed away on January 1, two years apart.

She was a devoted and loving mother to Caroline Lazzaruolo (Raniero) and Colleen Lapietra (Joseph), an adored grandmother to Alexandra and Alaina, and a great-grandmother to Isla, all of whom brought her immense joy. She was the dear sister of the late Vincent Low. Family meant everything to Sheila, and she adored each generation with her whole heart.

She was extremely proud of her English heritage and proudly served as a “Wren” in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, a branch of the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. Along with James, she enjoyed traveling and cruising, especially their cherished voyages aboard the Queen Mary 2 with their family.

Whether she was tending to her gardens at their log cabin in upstate New York or preparing a traditional English Sunday roast, Sheila’s home was always full of love for her family. A gifted knitter, she poured her love into every stitch of the sweaters and blankets she made for three generations of her family; these cherished gifts remain a lasting testament to her love.

Sheila remained friends with a few other Wrens all these years later (Anne, Dee, Betty). She sailed across the pond to meet up with one of her good Wren friends, Anne, in September in the port of Liverpool where they spent the day together. Sheila knew that would be her last trip back home.  In the old photo, she is on the right in the red dress with Anne while in the Wrens.  In the more recent photo with Anne in Liverpool, Sheila is on the left.