Sheila Orlich

Sheila D. Orlich, of West Berlin, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 27, 2026. She was just shy of her 71st birthday.

Sheila was a kind and loving soul. Anyone who met her knew her to be someone who put everyone else first – Sheila and her dog, Molly, had a weekly tradition of pulling the trashcans for an elderly neighbor; Sheila could be found cheering on any of her family members at every type of event, and Sheila was the person you knew you could call when you needed help, no matter the time of day or night.

For these and so many reasons, Sheila was deeply beloved by all who had the privilege of joining her inner circle. She was one of four siblings and is pre-deceased by her brother, John Orlich (K.C Orlich), and her loving parents John Orlich Sr. and Dolores Orlich (nee Bozarth). She is survived by her loving spouse of 40 years, Deborah Johnson, her sister, Marie Keeler (James Keeler), and many nieces, grand nieces, and grand nephews. Many considered her a part of their family, and her loss leaves a profound hole.

In addition to the love Sheila showed the people around her, she poured her heart into supporting rescue dogs and many other types of animals. Sheila formed a close friendship with Dr. Jessica Morrissey at Delaware Valley Animal Hospital and brought several dogs in need into her home, giving them a life of nothing but unconditional love and care.

Since retiring at the end of 2022, Sheila enjoyed cycling and traveling around the world with her wife and their friends. She also enjoyed spending time with Debbie and Molly in Cape May, NJ, where Sheila could often be found sitting on their deck watching dolphins swim in the bay, eagles flying by and osprey fishing for their young.

Sheila was devastatingly diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in May of this year. She spent her final weeks doing what she always did – making sure everyone around her was taken care of. She is already so deeply missed.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be sent to the Gypsy Rose Animal Foundation at Gypsyroseanimalfoundaton.org