Sheila Osborne was born, raised and educated in St. John's. She is married to Tom Osborne and together they have six children: a daughter and five sons (including MHA Tom Osborne, Jr.).

Sheila worked as a secretary and office manager, both for government and the private sector.

She has served for many years on volunteer organizations including the Boy Scouts, Parent/Teacher organizations and the St. Clare's Auxiliary.

She has been involved in politics at the federal, provincial and municipal levels since 1968. This involvement includes organizing and managing campaigns.

Sheila was elected M.H.A. for St. John's West in a by-election on July 21, 1997. In the House of Assembly, she served as the Shadow Cabinet Critic for the portfolios of Human Resources and Employment, the Status of Women, and Child Welfare and Family Rehabilitation Services.

Sheila was re-elected in St. John's West on February 9, 1999. She continued to serve as the Shadow Cabinet Critic for the portfolios of Human Resources and Employment, the Status of Women, and Community & Family Services; and as the Vice-chair of the Caucus Social Policy Committee. She then served as the Opposition Critic for Health Services (including Community and Family Services) and for the Status of Women. Sheila was elected a third time in the 2003 general election and was sworn in as the M.H.A. for St. John's West on November 12, 2003. She is currently the Deputy Chair of Committees.