The family of Sheila Mary Davenport Hildebrand sadly announce her passing July 31, 2017 at Savannah Hospice.

Sheila was born Feb. 5, 1927 in Niteroi, Brazil. Her parents Harry S. Davenport and Elsie Rowe Davenport, formerly from Lancashire, England, raised Sheila and her two sisters primarily in Niteroi across the Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro. Her young life was spent along these beautiful shores often sailing with family and friends. She attended secondary school there and unlike her older sisters, her further education in England was cut short by the outbreak of WWII.

In 1950 Sheila immigrated with her eldest son to the United States. She settled in Norfolk, Virginia and there raised her four children. After a career in the banking industry, she retired from Sun Trust Bank and moved to Savannah, Ga. to be closer to her family.

Her life ambition and devotion was lovingly centered on her family who hold dear memories of her fun-loving spirit, delight in family games and the laughter she brought to gatherings. Always up for an outing, Sheila eagerly travelled with family for adventures near and far.

Beyond her family, she was committed to the welfare of animals and even into her eighties would go wherever there was a need in feeding and caring for stray cats.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband Walter Hildebrand, sisters Barbara Ambrose, Margaret Holman and Ann Davenport and her dear cat Freddie.

She is survived by her children: Richard Guerreiro (Susie), Christine McDermott (Jack), Tracy Hildebrand (Stewart Stokes) and Walter Hildebrand. Her grandchildren by whom she was affectionately called She She: Katie Downing (Pat), Callan McDermott (Jimmy) and Emily Stokes and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Hospice Savannah for providing such attentive care in her final days, the staff of Magnolia Manor in Richmond Hill, Dr. Liller, her veterinarian committed to her animal welfare causes and Julie Lesko, a dear friend in her final years.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 4 at 2pm at Richmond Hill Funeral Home, 8901 Ford Avenue, in Richmond Hill, Ga.

Honorary donations may be sent to the Cat Care Fund at the Cat Care Clinic, 1190 King George Blvd, Savannah, Ga. 31419 (912-961-6220) or Hospice of Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah, Ga.31416, ( hospicesavannah.org/ ‎).