Sheila McNicol's Obituary
Sheila McNicol, 94, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida.
She was born on March 29,1931 in Glasgow, Scotland to John and Margaret Wilson. ln 1954 she married John McNicol and immigrated that same year to join her sister, Susan Swenson in Syracuse, New York. While living in Syracuse, Sheila worked part time for the West Genesee School district where she was a "cafeteria lady". In 1979, when Nationwide Insurance opened a new regional office in Gainesville, Florida, she and John decided it was time to leave the cold and John put in for a transfer to sunny Florida. She was employed with Nationwide from 1980 until she retired in 1990. While working at Nationwide she was known as the "mail lady".
She was preceded in death by her loving husband John (Jack), sister Susan Swenson and nephew David Swenson.
She is survived by her daughter Lesley Gwinn, grandson Nicholas (Desirae) Gwinn, granddaughter Hillary Gwinn, great-grandson Colton, soon to be born great-grandson #2, several nieces and one nephew.
Sheila's love, kindness and especially her Scottish sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Per Sheila’s request, no funeral service will be held. ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Haven E.T. York Hospice Care Center, Gainesville, Florida. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Haven Hospice for their care, compassion and support.
What’s your fondest memory of Sheila?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sheila?
Share a story where Sheila's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sheila you’ll never forget.
How did Sheila make you smile?

