Sheila Kathleen Zalla

Sheila Kathleen Zalla (nee Sexton), 86 years of age, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, May 17th.

She was born on March 23, 1940, in Covington, Kentucky, daughter of the late John Sexton and the late May (Grady) Sexton, and devoted sister to the late Sue (Sexton) Helbling.

Sheila was the loving wife of Andrew Martin Zalla, and loving mother to Andy Zalla (Jennifer), Mary Zalla Forgiel (Simon), Ellen Zalla Engelman (Bernie), John Zalla (Lisa), Michael Zalla, Kathryn Zalla Gartner (Matt), Paul Zalla, Ann Zalla, Joseph Zalla (Jennifer) and Jane Zalla.

Sheila was a devoted grandmother to 27 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Marty, Megan, Christopher, Katie, Nick, Audrey, Elliot, Lucas, Aziza, Cecilia, Emma, Bernie, Grace, John, Christine, David, Lauren, Ashton, Caroline, Adelaide, Margaret, Frances, Michael, Vivian, Mateo, Anton, and Sadie. Great Grandchildren: Potter, Miller, Wheeler, Mason, Sage, Lily, and Hadley.

She was part of a large and loving extended Irish family in the West End of Covington, KY, where she attended Saint Patrick’s grade school and LaSalette Academy. She met the love of her life, Marty, while in high school, and they enjoyed frequenting the neighborhood canteens, boating and skiing on Williamstown Lake, and spending time together at Moonlight Gardens in Coney Island. Sister Rose Adelaide, who taught Sheila at LaSalette, suggested she had a calling to religious life. Though a devout Catholic, Sheila informed Sister that she was going to get married and have eight children. She later went on to have ten, after marrying Marty in 1962. Together, they began building the greatest legacy of their lives, their family. During their 64 year marriage, they experienced their greatest joys and deepest sorrows, including the life changing accident involving their son Paul at the age of six, and their son Michael’s tragic death at the age of 18.

While expecting her 6th child, Sheila pursued higher education at Thomas More College with her sister, and later Northern Kentucky University. She was only a few credit hours short of achieving her bachelors’ degree in 1986 when her son Michael passed and she was unable to return. NKU awarded her an honorary doctorate in 2022, which proudly hangs in her home to this day.

She volunteered for years in the library at St. Francis Seraph School and volunteered with Saint Barbara’s Saint Vincent DePaul effort.

Sheila and Marty enjoyed traveling, taking their children and grandchildren on many family vacations to the lake and various beaches. They also loved traveling with their close and long-time friends, and of course, Sheila greatly enjoyed visiting Ireland.

Sheila adored socializing with friends and family and her large table was often filled with the wonderful meals she cooked for the people she loved. Though she had her own full house, Sheila always welcomed anyone who needed a home-cooked meal, a shoulder to cry on, or a place to stay. The Zalla property was a favorite destination for many children and teens from multiple neighborhoods in Edgewood. She spread cheer and kindness everywhere she went, and her children often encountered people at the dry cleaner’s, drug store, or hair salon sharing how much they loved Sheila, how talkative and cheerful she always was, and how she could brighten an otherwise mundane day.

Sheila was slow to anger and quick to smile. If there was a bright side to something, she found it. She had a Saint’s patience, and the Irish gift of gab. There never was, and never will be, another like her. She will be remembered for the sound of her laugh, the gentleness of her touch, and for always finding the best in any person or situation. We will never stop missing her or thanking God for the gift she was to all of us.

Visitation will be held at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church on Thursday, May 28th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church on Friday, May 29th at 10:00 AM.

Celebration of Life will be held at Summit Hills Country Club on Friday, May 29th from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Private burial on Saturday May 30th at the Zalla family cemetery with immediate family only.