Sheila M. MacMaster, 80, of Havertown died December 23rd at home. Born and raised in SW Phila., Sheila was an honors graduate of West Catholic HS for Girls. One of eight children born to Andrew and Frances (nee Grispino ) Fair, she was drawn to the work and mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor.  Sheila entered the convent along with her best friend Cathy, later to be Sr. Margaret Regina. Her early years as postulant, novice and newly professed were spent in various houses of the order. She began studies in nursing at Marywood College, Scranton as Sr Mary Edmond of the Trinity.

It was during that time that her health became of major concern and was agreed that her recovery would best be achieved at home with family. With the support of her family and the congregation, Sheila was encouraged to carry on with that work as a lay person.

Living in Phila, Sheila completed her education at Thomas Jefferson University, receiving  a BS in Nursing (cum laude). Her work centered on the care of the elderly, first at Little Flower Manor in Darby, and Neighborhood Home Health in Phila.

In 1984, she met David MacMaster and they wed in St. Mary's Episcopal church in Phila. Later their marriage was blessed by Fr Murphy at St. Dorothy's in Drexel Hill, where she was currently a member. Sheila and David enjoyed trips along the Atlantic Coast especially to Rockport Massachusetts, staying at the Captain's Inn, where they developed a close bond with the owner. Always staying in Room 1 with a view of the rocky coastline and where the ocean spray reached their windows. It's where she developed a love for lobster and was known to have eaten a 5lb one. Travels to Lake George to visit David's home and developing the art of antiquing and negotiation. Sheila always had a book, with a second close by.

Sheila eventually found her way back to the starting point of Holy Family Home in SW Phila. She became a steadfast member of the ASSOCIATION JEANNE JUGAN supporting the work of the little sisters through action and prayer.

In September 2010: Sheila was recognized by "Center in the Park" as the recipient of the Marguerite Riegel Award for service to the frail elderly of Philadelphia and her commitment to the dignity and potential of older people.

Upon her retirement, she was paid the following tribute:

"Sheila MacMaster spent twelve years with Catholic Health Care Services as Director of the CCOPE program ending with her retirement December 3, 2010. She has provided compassionate and tireless service to older adults in the Philadelphia area since she began her career as a nurse.  We have all witnessed her dedication to finding appropriate resources and long-term care placement for those who needed it most.  Her care and concern for older adults have been a model of Servant Leadership that have earned her the respect of so many in Catholic Human Services and across the city.  In addition, Sheila has been a faculty member of the Avila Institute for Gerontology since its inception, a board member of the National Supportive Care of the Dying Coalition and an advisory board member of Holy Family Home."

Anyone who knew Sheila, knew there would be no retirement. What began as a young high school student volunteering at Holy Family; to becoming a little sister , to her work as a lay person, there was always a lifelong vocation. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Judy (formerly Gallagher) Prettyman 1992 and Cynthia Fair 2016

Sheila leaves behind her husband David MacMaster, his daughter Shannon Kamph, her brothers Andy, Bart and David Fair, her sisters Sharon Buddendorf. Arlene McCarthy and their families.

There will be a Mass and Visitation at St. Dorothy Church, Township Line and Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill. PA  Saturday Jan 3, 2026 and burial at SS Peter and Paul Cem.

Visitation: 9:30 to 10:15 At St. Dorothy Church followed by Mass at 10:30

Contributions in her memory to Holy Family Home 5300  Chester Ave., Phila., Pa 19143 would be preferred.

Arr Toppitzer Funeral Home Drexel Hill