SMITH -- Sheila Ann Tompkins died on November 11, 2023, after a courageous 9 year battle with pancreatic cancer. Sheila was considered a leading national authority in the restructuring marketplace, and known as an exceptional mentor in her field.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska on August 23, 1952, Sheila grew up in a humble log cabin with a dirt floor and an outhouse. Sheila's heritage was a unique blend of her American Indian father and her blond, blue-eyed Irish mother, who ventured to Alaska during the Cold War. After returning to the lower 48 states, Sheila's single mother, Grace, worked as a treasurer in public schools, igniting Sheila's passion for math, accounting, and finance, which eventually led her to a successful career at Deloitte

Sheila had a diverse career spanning special education, public service management, and private sector and troubled company advisory work. With over 25 years of experience in financial advisory and restructuring services, she held positions as Partner at Deloitte Global, serving as the U.S. Representative for Deloitte Global Restructuring, the Restructuring Service Line Leader for the Americas Region, the Service Line Leader of the U.S., and the New England Financial Advisory Services. She oversaw Corporate Finance, Forensic & Dispute, Valuation, Economic Consulting, and Business Intelligence Services, participating in numerous bankruptcy, restructuring, and financial services engagements, including American Airlines, MF Global and Lehman Brothers.

Sheila was the President of the Turnaround Management Association chapter of New England and received recognition from various professional organizations, including the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY), International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), New York Institute of Credit (NYIC), and the Turnaround Management Association as a Hall of Fame member. Known as an exceptional mentor in her field, Sheila was well-liked and respected by all. Most recently, Sheila served as an Advisor to Gordon Brothers in Boston, Massachusetts.

Fate dealt Sheila a challenging hand when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, with doctors giving her a mere five months to live. However, they were unaware of her secret weapon – the incredible community of support, prayers, and love that surrounded her. Even in the darkest moments, she felt the difference her friends and loved ones made in her life.

Sheila is survived by her beloved husband, Bruce, their daughters, Ashley and Abigail, her son-in-law, Steven, her cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Paige, and Sam, her mother, Grace, her brother, David, her half-sister Lori.

She is deeply missed and forever remembered. A Memorial Service will be held at First Parish Unitarian in Brookline, 382 Walnut St. on December 9. 2023 at 1 PM. Donations in her name may be made to the Massachusetts General Cancer Fund