Sheila Joyce Wilensky

1946 - 2015

Sheila Joyce nee Herz Wilensky passed away on Saturday 7 March 2015. Beloved by her partner, family, and many special friends, she was visited and tended to by her entire family in the final weeks of her illness. Sheila was a luminous, colorful and resourceful confidante to all who knew her.
Sheila was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 17 August 1946, the second of two daughters, to Lotte and Hermann Herz. Her family emigrated to the United States in 1948. Her father found a position as resident symphony conductor in Duluth, MN, where she spent her childhood. She attended Stanbrook Hall and received a BS in International Finance from Boston University in 1968. She had a career primarily in banking and international investment. Sheila had a working knowledge of several languages and was fluent in Spanish. She lived in Mexico City for 10 years and developed a client base there that remained with her for her whole life.
Sheila was married to Stewart Wilensky, a noted film maker. Following his death in 1984, she cared for stepsons, Adam and Peter Wilensky, in Santa Monica and advanced through advisory positions at Citibank. During her time in La Jolla she was employed with Citibank, Coutts Bank, and EFG Capital.
Sheila traveled widely and was an avid adventurist. Her sporting pursuits included hiking, skiing, scuba diving and sailing. She contributed broadly and in detail to a family genealogy project, as a source of history for a family with many accomplished members in music, art, finance and the professions.
Sheila is survived by sister, Evelyn Herz Waxberg and Myron Waxberg, Esq., of Westfield, NJ; nephew, David Waxberg, of Phoenix and his children, Amanda and Jason; nephew, Gregory (Heather Ann) Waxberg, of Branchburg, NJ; stepson, Adam (Michelle) Wilensky, and children, Alexandra and Ethan, of Los Angeles; and stepson, Peter (Sidsie) Wilensky, and child, Emmett, of Denver. She is also survived by her Akita mates, Ariel and Aurora; and her partner, Bruce McLean.
A celebration of life is being planned. For information on date and location please contact Bruce at 619-888-7041 or email BAMALTD@gmail.com.
A memorial donation may be made to a La Jolla local organization, at www.apassionforpaws.org.