Saturday, November 14, 2026
Sheila Anne Nolas, age 81 and a full-time resident of Marco Island since 1973, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2023, surrounded by family after a courageous 15-month battle with cancer.
She was born on March 15, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Daniel and Alice Hurley. She grew up in Charlestown, Massachusetts and in 1966, she and her husband, the late Joseph Luciano and two young sons left Boston to start a new life in Lutherville, Maryland.
Sheila and Joe fell in love with Marco Island after vacationing here in 1971. They decided to move the family to Marco in 1973 with the opportunity to be involved in the opening of Marco Island's very first and only sub and pizza restaurant located in the Marco Towne Centre (which later became Petrucelli's).
While raising her two sons, Rick and Jeff (the joys of her life), she worked for Deltona Realty's Rental Dept. as well as Ken Venturi (famous pro golfer and longtime resident of Marco) and his wife, Beau.
Sheila was a very spiritual person with a strong faith. She was heavily involved with the San Marco Catholic Church and its continual growth over the years especially in the early years before they even had a building in which to worship. They would hold Mass in a Ballroom at the Marco Beach Hotel (now the JW Marriott) before the first building was built, which is now the Rectory and Social Hall.
She was passionate about preserving Marco Island's history and was part of a small "grassroots" group of people that promoted and did fundraising for what is now the Marco Island Historical Society and Museum. She's recognized for her contributions at the MIHS Museum as a member of the Founder's Circle.
Sheila loved to entertain and was an exceptional cook, especially with Italian dishes. Her presentation was comparable to a five-star restaurant and always wowed her guests.
She has always been a selfless person and in her later years, gave back to the community by volunteering at such organizations as the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, the Center for the Arts, the Naples Train Depot and the Bargain Basket where in 2010 she met and later married the "Love of her Life,” Steve Nolas, a retired Educator from New Jersey and longtime resident of Cape Marco.
Steve and Sheila continued to volunteer as a couple up until her final days. They had so much in common and were inseparable. They enjoyed music, dancing and traveling all over the U.S. and the World. They were true soulmates.
Sheila was very creative and artistic and enjoyed Arts and Crafts as a hobby. She became quite accomplished at making mosaic art pieces with broken china (aka Pique Assiette} as well as custom hats and handbags bedazzled and adorned with starfish, sand dollars and seashells she found beachcombing.
She had a real fashion sense and was always a fashion statement wherever she went. She had the ability to light up a room with her 1,000-watt smile, her elegance, class and grace. She also had an incredible knack for decorating.
Sheila was a true pioneer of modern Marco Island and a remarkable woman that was kind, loving, humble, honest and generous. She always greeted everyone with a smile and made everyone in her presence feel special. She was a bright light and represented all that is good in this world. She will be sorely missed by all that loved her, and to know her was to love her. She was passionate about life and even more passionate about her family.
She leaves behind a beloved husband, Steve Nolas of the Villages, Florida, a sister Marlene Marshall of Hudson, New York, two sons, Rick Hanscom of Marco Island and Jeff (Jackie} Hanscom of Orlando. Four Grandchildren, Hayden Hanscom, Lauren Hanscom, Alexandra (Sal) lannotta, all of Naples, and Jamie (Michael) Agoo of Orlando. Also, five adorable great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews from the Boston area.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Michael Hurley and Daniel Hurley of Boston and husband Joseph Luciano of Marco Island.
There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Sheila on July 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, Florida 32162. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Sheila's honor to Cornerstone Hospice, Mike Conely Hospice House, 2100 Oakley Seaver Dr., Clermont, Florida, 34711 who took such loving care of her and provided her a comfortable exit from this world, or to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
