Sheila Haring was a schoolmate and lifelong friend of Darlene Lowe. After graduating from Stephens College and Ohio University, she joined Amoco Corporation (formerly Standard Oil of Indiana), where she served in a variety of administrative management positions. She worked for Amoco for 33 years in both Chicago and New York City, retiring in 1991.

Haring joined the Edward Lowe Foundation Board of Trustees in January 1997. She resigned from the board in March 1999, but continued as a foundation member until 2000.

Haring was known for her pragmatic nature and strong organizational and communications skills. Among her contributions, Haring was instrumental in overseeing a $250,000 grant to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, which the foundation gave to support exhibits on commerce and manufacturing. These exhibits, which remained installed for more than 10 years, introduced the principles of commerce and manufacturing.