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Sheila Kay Gonzalez

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Arizona State University University of California Los Angeles

FUNERAL HOME

A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel

710 West Bethany Home Road

Phoenix, Arizona

Sheila Gonzalez Obituary

Sheila Kay Gonzalez passed away in her home on the morning of December 26, 2006, after a strong battle against cancer. Sheila was a beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter and teacher. She was also a friend to everyone she touched. Sheila was an anchor and inspiration to her family. She encouraged her children Briana and C.J. to pursue their dreams and helped them to cultivate the talents, strong values and integrity that they are both known for. Because of her strength and vision, she lives on in them. Sheila was born in Douglas, Nebraska and grew up on the family farm. She graduated from Douglas High School and Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska and moved to Phoenix in 1976. Sheila earned several Masters Degrees and Specialization Certifications from ASU, UCLA and Ottawa Univeristy, all in her effort to be the best teacher she could be. She was a Montessori School Specialist, as well as Bi-Lingual Education, Reading and Special Education expert and taught elementary education for over thirty years. Although she thought about becoming a principle some years back and achieved the credentials necessary for administrative work, her true love was for the classroom and her students. Sheila taught 7th Grade at Magnet Traditional for over 10 years, up until September 2006. Sheila is survived by Ricardo, her husband of 17 years, her 16 year-old daughter Briana and 12 year-old son C.J. (Carlos Javier). She also leaves behind her mother Jesse Rider Steinkuhler of Douglas, Nebraska, her brother Randy Steinkuhler and sisters Rita Schuster and Judy Mulky. Sheila's sisters and brother-in-law, her nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, are also left to mourn her passing. Her father Gayle Steinkuhler, died in 2002. A Memorial Service will be held for Sheila at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 West Roosevelt, 602-254-7126, on January 6, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. It was Sheila's wish, in lieu of flowers to donate in her name to Susan G. Komen Foundation, www.komen. org. For more information please contact Larry Tibbs; 602-462-5523 or Mary Peralta; 602-252-8399. Arrangements entrusted to A. L. Moore Grimshaw Bethany Chapel.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Gonzalez

19 Entries

Gina Desai

January 13, 2007

I am deeply saddened by Sheila's loss. She was a woman of many talents, and she shared her wisdom with me for 10 wonderful years. We worked together as partners in the 7th grade for 8 years. In that time, we became friends and "sisters of the heart." Sheila was an amazing person as she embraced every moment with perserverance, passion, strength, and immeasurable energy. She was vivacious, kind, and incredibly beautiful both inside and out. She was a woman who extended her heart to everyone. As a teacher, she brought smiles and laughter to her students, while inciting intellect and creativity. She was most proud of her family Ricardo, Briana, and C.J.. There was not a moment that she did not think of their well being and happiness. What a blessing! She will forever live on in my heart as well as all that met her. Thanks for all the good times, my dear friend!

Karen Bruhn

January 8, 2007

Dear Ricardo, Brianna, and CJ--I always looked forward to chatting with Sheila after services at Trinity. Her friendly smile and cheerful attitude always cheered me, and I know she made many people's day a little brighter. May your memories sustain you in your time of sorrow.

John Ewing

January 8, 2007

I am saddened by the passing of Sheila. I have never met a more dedicated teacher and will treasure having met her. During the short time I was principal at Magnet Sheila was going through cancer treatments, she was more concerned about the reaction of her students to her absence and missing her instruction than her own ill health. My condolences to the family, she was one in a million.

Linda Cooper

January 8, 2007

Sheila was a joy to work with and one of the best teachers I have known in 34 years of working in education. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to her family.

Gina Reyes, N.A., S.T.

January 8, 2007

Ricardo, Brianna, and C.J., I had the privelege of working with your wife/mom last year at Magnet. She was the first teacher to come in to my office and introduce herself and she made me feel so welcomed. She was truly a wonderful woman and devoted mom, a great teacher who was very involved with her students, and she had a smile that could warm up a room just like that. She loved you all very much and was so very proud of her two wonderful children. The world has lost a very special light with the passing of your mom, but always know that she will forever be in my heart and prayers and countless others to whom she made a difference to. May God Bless you all

Sara Meyer

January 8, 2007

I too had the pleasure of working with Sheila. She was a wonderful person and teacher. She will be greatly missed. Her family is in my thoughts.

Espi Corona-Rodriguez

January 5, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to Ricardo, CJ and Briana our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire Family

Deborah Rucker

January 5, 2007

Ricardo, CJ, and Briana, My prayers are with you guys and I pray that God will continue to comfort, keep and strengthen you as you go through your bereavement. It is scriptural that "Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning." We don't know how long the night, but we do know that when the morning comes it will be a joyful one. Sheila was a blessing to know and I'll never forget how she'd embraced me when I came to Magnet. Sheila became my Spiritual Sister and when I'd talk with her about what she was going through, she ended up lifting me. I will truly miss her.

Cliff Dent

January 5, 2007

I had the pleasure of meeting Sheila Gonzalez several years ago when I substituted for her class. She was very friendly and supportive both then and when I took over as the long-term substitute for her class last October. Sheila was a real "people person" -- she just radiated goodness, kindness and wisdom. She will be sorely missed.

Jesse J. Ortega.

January 5, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Robin Peifer *Matthew's Mom

January 5, 2007

Ricardo, Brianna and CJ, our deepest sympthy to you. As a Magnet parent and someone who worked with Sheila on and off for the past 7 years, she was a wonderful person and dedicated teacher. She had a wonderful smile and always made time to say hi. She will be missed by all.

Tina Bambic

January 4, 2007

Ricardo,Brianna,C.J.- We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We had the great pleasure to meet your wife/mother during this wrestling season. If there is anything your family needs , our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sincerly Coach Bambic, Tina,Alex,Christian and Alyssa Bambic.

Temi Kolacevska

January 4, 2007

I will greatly miss Sheila. I met her in the fall of 1992 when I started to work for PESD. She was always so very helpful and encouraging to me. I will never forget her offer to help me out any way she can, even if she had to write a letter to the President! She deeply touched my heart and I have learned a lot from her. She offered great seminars and teacher's workshops. She will be truly missed - we lost a great teacher, friend and educator!

PATSY VERDUZCO

January 4, 2007

Gonzalez Family:

Our deepest sympathy to your family . Sheila is very dear to us. She was in inspiration to my daughter at Magnet Traditional. Jennifer thought the world of her. Mrs. Gonzlaez made it so comfortable for Jennifer to adapt to her new school and very welcomed and loved. Sheila was a great mother,wife, teacher and friend. We will miss her wonderful smile and positive attitude.

Love & Prayers
Patsy & Jennifer Verduzco

Gloria Santa Cruz

January 4, 2007

Ricardo, Briana and C.J., I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. I had the privledge of getting to know her when she taught my twin daughters, Sammi & Cyndi, at Magnet. She was truly an inspiration and her love for her students always shined in her eyes. Thank you for sharing her with us. May God comfort you during this hard time in your lives. My family and I will be praying for you.

John Hahn

January 4, 2007

I only had the opportunity to work with Sheila when her computers crashed. Whenever I entered her classroom I could sense the love she had for her students. Her classroom was a truly happy place.

jennifer sniegowski

January 4, 2007

Ricardo, so sorry to hear about your wife. i never met her and only met you once but heard so many good things about you and your family through my husband james sniegowski...my heart goes out to you and your family..need anything feel free to ask james and i. we will be praying for you and your family...God bless
my husband works with you at Gatorade, if you didn't reconize his name...

Corie Mecsey

January 4, 2007

I did not have the priveledge to know of Sheila personally. I am a 1st grade teacher at Whittier, and feel very saddened by the passing of Sheila. My first thoughts are of empathy for her loved ones and I am reminded of my children that I share with my husband. Life is so fragile. From Sheila I feel more passion in my own teaching edeavors, so that I may continue my own need to educate.

Sally Walston

January 4, 2007

I worked with Sheila and knew her from several professional development seminars we attended together. She will truley be missed. God bless her family and friends in the days to come.

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