Sheila R. McLean, 79, of Bristol, RI passed away on April 11, 2026, with her son by her side.

Born October 13, 1946, she was a daughter of Vincent McLean and May (Reilly) McLean, she grew up in East Providence, RI around a large extended Irish-American family, and was a member of EP High School's 1964 class. She was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Rhode Island College in 1968.

After living for a time in San Francisco, she returned to the East Coast to teach. She taught art, and later special ed, in Roxbury, Seekonk, East Providence, Fall River, and other schools in Massachusetts and RI. She had lived in Bristol since the early 1980's.

She is survived by a son, Ryan Michney, daughter-in-law, Andria Tieman Michney, and granddaughter, Sloane Michney, all of Newton, MA; as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Sheila was a kind and loving person, who could effortlessly talk to anyone, from any walk of life, and get them to crack a smile. (A gift of gab, she'd enthusiastically tell you, that she acquired from kissing the Blarney Stone). She enjoyed gardening, art, summer beach days, her cats, and loved Bristol.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at The Wharf in Warren, RI on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 12:00-2:30 PM

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809.