Background
She was born Sheila Frances O"Nions on 10 October 1928 in Birmingham, England, United Kingdom. She was the daughter of Wilfred O"Nions, a civil servant, and his wife Margaret (Moran) O"Nions. During the World World War II, her family moved to Southport, Lancashire, where she met Desmond "Des" Walsh, son of Thomas Walsh, who had a jewelry store at 39 Chapel Street since 1926.