Salem - Margaret Sheila (Hannon) Blake, 82, a resident of Salem and formerly of Gloucester, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, at CareOne at Essex Park, Beverly, MA.

She was born in Boston on February 18, 1942, and was the daughter of the late Martin and Beatrice (DeCourcey) Hannon.

As a young adult, Sheila worked in the office of U.S. Senator Edward Brooke where she became part of a wonderful group of coworkers who became longtime friends. She worked for many years at Polaroid Corporation and later at Harvard University. While working full time she completed her undergraduate degree at Boston University and Master's degree in Mesoamerican Studies at Harvard Extension School. She had a great interest in ancient civilizations and loved to study the Mayan codices, even giving a lecture at her local library explaining some of those Mayan symbols.

Sheila was an excellent skier and a member of the Brockton Ski Club. She often traveled with her cousin Maureen Talayco, including taking several bike and barge tours in Europe. She visited Egypt, Australia and numerous other countries, and made several trips to Ireland to visit family.

After retiring from Harvard, Sheila moved to Gloucester and spent many years living in her condo with a view of the ocean. Her son, Jim lived with her for several years and she treasured sharing that time with him.

Sheila had an active social life and enjoyed socializing with a group of friends at Jalapenos in Gloucester. In 2021 she moved from Gloucester to the John Bertram House in Salem, where she formed new friendships, including with her special someone, Robert.

Sheila was predeceased by her son, James Blake, as well as her brother Timothy Hannon. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Pat Hannon of Dennis Port; sister, Maryellen "Meg" Hannon of Arlington; nephews, Martin T. Hannon (Kathy) of Chelmsford and Mathew Hannon of Bedford, NH; grandnephews, Gabriel and Connor and grandniece Ruby.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. following the visitation. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Wellspring House in Gloucester or the Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester. For directions and online condolences please visit chelmsfordfuneralhome.com and find us on Facebook.