Sheila Esther Rothgart Browning

Sheila Esther Rothgart Browning obituary, New York, NY

Sheila Esther Rothgart Browning

Sheila Browning Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 22, 2023.
Sheila Esther Rothgart Browning, 78, of New York City, ended her life on September 17th, 2023, after a battle with intolerable depression and anxiety. She was caught up in a painful struggle weighing her own need for peace with the sorrow and pain that her death would inflict upon her family and friends.

Sheila lived a full and rich life, with so much joy and celebration, deep in relationships and reflection. She was the most loving and devoted mother to her two children, Jesse and Megan, and in recent years became Nonna to her granddaughter Haddie Rose Bown, whom she absolutely adored. In her words, her children were her greatest accomplishments. Her arms were always wide open to both of them and all of their friends.

Born in Brooklyn to Hadassah and Albert Rothgart, she joined an older sister Judy. She was a Booster at James Madison High School where she made lifelong friends. A Brooklyn girl through and through, her roots were recognizable by her circle of friends, her accent, her unique laughter, her skepticism, her outspoken nature, and her commitment to always finding a bargain or, at least, the best deal.

After college in the Midwest, Sheila came back to New York and took up residence in Manhattan where she lived in several different apartments with roommates until settling into her own studio in the heart of Greenwich Village at the corner of Christopher and Bleecker Streets, a short walk to her school, P.S. 3, The Charette School. It was while living there that she met the love of her life, Charlie Browning, affectionately known as Charl. After a romantic and fun-filled courtship, they married in 1980.

Sheila and Charlie had two children together, Jesse and Megan Browning. Her beautiful, smart son Jesse predeceased her in 2012. She is survived by Charlie Browning, her daughter Megan Browning, her son-in-law Will Bown, granddaughter Haddie Rose Bown, her sister Judy MacDonald, niece Elizabeth MacDonald, Elizabeth's husband, Len Ericson and their two daughters, Alice and Ellie as well as her nephew James's widow Sunny and their two daughters, Anthea and Astrid; plus an extensive network of loving friends.

Sheila loved babies and kids. She often commented on the freshness of their perception of the world, how they were seeing everything for the first time. She was always quick to engage and make them smile. Sheila was warm and soft and the best person to sit next to while she read aloud one of her favorite children's books.

From that love and affinity for little ones came her interest in early childhood education, leading to her 25-year career as a New York City public school teacher. Sheila was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and earned two Masters Degrees from the Bank Street College of Education, one in Early Education, another in Computers in Education. Her impact on the lives of the countless children she taught over her years as a teacher is immeasurable. She was committed to her young early learners. She knew they were at the age when they were ripe for learning and when she could help lay the foundations of their knowledge and skills. She taught them the basics and made learning fun.

Sheila had an artistic eye and her own special flavor of fashion, known for her signature glasses, elegant scarves, colorful shoes, and an impressive collection of pins. She curated her own home with things she loved, including her mother's classic mid-century furniture and fixtures. She always had something to pass on to someone in need or starting out on their own.

Sheila had a saying for everything, songs for every occasion, and always offered the perfect words (and emojis) to her friends and family. She initiated conversations easily with anybody and made friends wherever she went. Out of empathy and unstoppable curiosity, she learned their stories and the intricacies of their lives. She was a true friend, a great listener, a loyal supporter of everyone she loved.

She was an avid theater goer, and lover of museums. She was a social activist and critic, always having an opinion on the latest play or New York Times piece. She was a natural conversationalist - extremely chatty, joyous, and funny. She was a lover of good food and an excellent cook with a passion for time spent at Farmers' markets in New York, Vermont or wherever she and Charlie found them. A baker at times in her life, she passed this skill on to both of her children and you could often find a tin of cookies, blondies, or her famous lemon squares in her home.

Having studied the Italian language and spent time in Italy during college, Sheila was a true Italophile and it was evidenced by her love of pasta and good bread. Both of her children also had connections to the country and the language, and she and her family spent a lot of time in Italy over the years.

Sheila was a caretaker of plants, and a lover of beautiful flowers, especially peonies. She loved travel, reading, word games, swimming, aqua aerobics, and, most of all, spending time with her family and all her friends.

At the time of her death, Sheila lived in Greenwich Village with Charlie, in the apartment they shared for 45 years. A house in Vermont built by her son-in-law Will and his father was designed as a retreat and a haven where she spent many meaningful nature-filled moments with her family.

At the end of her life she did everything she could to overcome her impossible struggles with mental illness. She had the unwavering support and love of her family and friends during these dark times.

Sheila was truly a bright light, a deep soul who shared so much of herself with those around her.

She exuded warmth and love, and her unforgettable, kind smile and open arms are imprinted on the minds of all of those who love her. Sheila was an original, deeply loved, a bright light in an often-dark world. She will be deeply missed and not forgotten.

Sheila's family and friends arranged for her brain to be donated to the Harvard Brain Bank for neurological research, where one brain can support hundreds of studies. During this time of deep heartbreak, it is our hope that Sheila's brain may be able to help in the quest toward more effective treatments for depression and other mental illnesses.

Sheila will be buried in Vermont. A celebration of her life will be held in New York City later this year. To honor Sheila's dedication to young readers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to We Need Diverse Books at diversebooks.org and The Children's Literacy Foundation at clifonline.org.

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September 16, 2024

EILEEN MILLAN posted to the memorial.

May 8, 2024

Heather White posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2024

Rella (Pip) Stuart-Hunt Wurmfeld posted to the memorial.

EILEEN MILLAN

September 16, 2024

a wonderful kind and friendly person with a million dollar smile. she is truly missed by everyone she touched..

Heather White

May 8, 2024

Hi Charlie. This is Hill and Marggie's daughter Heather. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I only met Sheila a few times and I must have been 10 or younger - but I remember her vividly. She was that kind of a soul. I recall her smile, her laughter, her warmth and her easy way of being. Having also lost someone to suicide after a brave and impossible struggle with depression and anxiety, I found the obituary and the fact that you have donated her brain particularly beautiful and moving. May her memory be a blessing.

Rella (Pip) Stuart-Hunt Wurmfeld

February 28, 2024

I just was told this terribly sad news about Sheila, who taught my children when they were little at
PS 3 Annex. It was a small neighborhood school then. Sheila, Laura, and Linda started the school with Blossom who then brought in Carol and Pat and I was a volunteer parent working in Sheila´s room. She taught my children Jeremy and Treva to read by teaching them to write in shaped books which she cut out and stapled for each child in the class. She was a dear and lovely friend to me later. We continued yoga classes after Hollyce had taught us at school. Those were sweet days. She and Charlie visited us on the cape one summer and came aboard our sailboat. This is such a loss for her family and for all the children she nurtured with her sweet way of being. I will miss her very much.

Hollyce Yoken

October 27, 2023

I just learned several days ago of this very sad news and it´s taken a moment to think about how I want to acknowledge such a lovely person.

Sheila and I met through our daughters, Lia and Megan, who both took acting classes at the Lee Strasberg Studio. I think they were in elementary school going into middle school. Megan and Lia became fast friends for a period of time and Sheila and I did what could be considered the "Brooklyn / Manhattan hustle".. that is to facilitate a bi-borough friendship. I mean how many of you schlep into Brooklyn? Let alone bring your kid? We´d shuttle these kids back and forth across the East River for play dates of dress ups, cooking /baking and all sorts of creative projects.

It was also Shiela that informed me that PS 234 was going to open (for the first and last time) a PreK program and arranged for me to get an interview with the principal at that time. These were some of my most stimulating teaching years and I have much gratitude for Shiela, who open that door for me. Deep thanks!

Then there was Weight Watchers.. I´d gotten chubby and uncomfortable in my body and was impressed how Shiela had slimmed down and was looking fit. We chatted and she shared her secret. I joined Weight Watcher´s in her neighborhood and lost 14 pounds, which I´ve never gained. Again...Thanks so much, Sheila.

And then on September 11, 2001; Lia and I sheltered at Sheila and Charlie´s home until it was " safe" to venture back to Brooklyn. They opened their home to us, let me make numerous long distance phone calls to family members, fed us and gave us a safe harbor during a frightening and unprecedented moment in time. So much gratitude.

Over the years, lives shift and change. Our girls grew up and took other paths, I left PS 234 , moved out of state and then out of the country. Ironically Sheila and I reconnected through a series of emails only and suddenly in the beginning of 2023. We updated each other about our current lives, shared stories about our daughters and exchanged photos of families and especially our grandchildren. We spoke about aging, and health and the delight in being grandmothers. We promised to meet each other the next time I was stateside. I deeply regret that we didn´t pull it off.

Sheila was a special, warm woman..she helped others, gave of herself and had many interests.

I want to end this by sending a virtual hug to Charlie and Megan. One day I hope to meet up with you Megan ...and both Will and Haddie.

Jennifer Parkinson

October 14, 2023

I knew Sheila from Abingdon Square Playground when our children were very little, then at PS 234 and later on - frequently running into her at the Y. She was always warm and friendly, and I simply had no idea of the pain she must have been feeling. I was so sorry to hear the news of her death. My sincere sympathy to her family.

Maria Coffey

October 3, 2023

One needs only scroll through the tributes for Sheila to instantly realize she was a unique and beautiful soul who touched so many, so deeply. I was a fellow "pool lady" at the Y and shared snatches of conversation with Sheila in the locker room, pool and lounges. While our exchanges were brief, certain things were consistent. Sheila's face always softened when she spoke of her husband, Charlie. And her love of the rest of her family, especially that more-than-perfect granddaughter, was palpable. Sheila very simply enriched the lives of all of us who were privileged to have known her. My sympathy goes to her beloved family and to her innumerable, saddened friends.

Mollie Welsh Kruger

October 2, 2023

Sheila was a beloved member of the Bank Street Children's Book Committee. Her easy smile and gentle humor were often delivered when most needed! I will miss her compassion and warm welcomes. Much love to the family, Mollie Welsh Kruger (co-chair of CBC)

(Gloria and Sheila culling the Best Books list. Shared with permission.)

Claire Stodola

September 29, 2023

I was lucky enough to know Sheila through her daughter, my good friend. Often, when Sheila and Charlie came to visit Megan in Vermont, my husband Travis and I would be get to see Sheila as well. She would remember details about our lives and be sure to ask about our families. I felt included in her circle of love just by being in her presence with her smiles, hugs, and open heart. Much love to Charlie, Megan, and all those who also felt this love.

Tania Carol-Lugones

September 26, 2023

I knew Sheila mostly through Amy and I feel deeply for the lost of her life, she was loved by her family and friends and many people was touched by her presence. My condolences to her family and friends.

EILEEN MILLAN

September 26, 2023

i knew sheila from the Y's pool as i use to go regularly and at times she and I would do a special workout with her pool buddy peggy. she was so nice and friendly and always smiled. we lived a block away from each other and would run into each other quite a bit. i am so sadden to have heard the news and just so sorry I couldn't have done more for her. deepest sympathy to her family ...rest in peace, dearest sheila you will be missed alot.

Debbie Irwin

September 26, 2023

Sheila taught my son and daughter at PS 234 almost two decades ago. She was always warm, kind, interested and caring. Our interactions were genuine even when our paths crossed long after those early grammar school days. I was fond of Sheila, and I know my kids were too. We are all saddened to hear that she was suffering this deeply, and our condolences are offered to her family and friends. I spoke her name aloud in my temple so that her memory may be a blessing.

Helen Freidus

September 25, 2023

I am so very sorry. I know Sheila through Bank Street and The Bank Street Children's Book Committee. Her curiosity and humor enriched us all. We shall miss her.

Alice Belgray

September 25, 2023

I am grateful for the courage and honesty of Sheila's family in the loving announcement of her death. I will miss her smile, wisdom, and welcome cheer at the Children's Book Committee. My deep condolences and sympathy to her family.

Melinda Greenblatt

September 25, 2023

I knew Sheila as a colleague at the Bank Street Children´s Book Committee for a number of years and always enjoyed worked with her. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Best,
Melinda Greenblatt

Jane Thompson

September 25, 2023

Blessings to Sheila´s family and friends from
Another Bsnk Street Children´s Book Committee colleague
Jane Thompson

Miriam Lang Budin

September 25, 2023

I was always gappy to see Sheila in the room at our Bank Street Children´s Book Committee meetings. Her friendliness, good cheer, and discernment enlivened our discussions. She will be sorely missed.

Sincere condolences to her family and her many friends.

May her memory be a blessing.

Dorothy Raphaely

September 24, 2023

I "found" my cousin Sheila while researching family tree pre internet . We shared many wonderful conversations and times spent together whenever I visited NYC . Her intuitive and compassionate nature are expressed and known by all who were fortunate to know her . Missed and remembered with deep affection. The measure of our loss is the measure of our privilege to count her friend .

Nick Friedman

September 24, 2023

As a friend of Megs, Sheila would make me feel right at home whenever I would come visit. Her warmth, openness, genuine care to learn and conversate will not be forgotten. I always looked forward to seeing her new plants.

Stephanie Blumenthal

September 24, 2023

Sheila kindled our friendship when my husband broke his next. She not only brought food to me but also brought kindness and caring. We continued seeing one another whenever I came to NYC but unfortunately it stopped when COVID started.

Carole Clarin

September 23, 2023

Knowing Sheila for 40 years was a blessing and I must tell Charlie and Megan not only that I miss her but how much she shared her love for you and how she always felt so very lucky to have you in her life. I met Sheila when I came to PS 234 so long ago and held onto the friendship we had well after we both retired. Each day since I learned this terribly sad news, I´ve thought of another time we were together, another place we went and how working together was so valuable to me. I still have the pesto recipe, in her handwriting, she gave me, the gardening apron she presented to me when I retired and a blouse I bought when we walked to one of her favorite stores near our school. Every time I snap the bottom off asparagus, I remember that Sheila was the person who taught me that. I will cherish the memories always!

Pat DeMarco

September 23, 2023

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". Sheila was a wonderful elementary school teacher and a caring loving friend and colleague. Our chance encounters in our neighborhood became a sidewalk visit of catching up and laughing. May she rest in peace. My sincere condolences to her family and dear friends.

Deborah Cohen

September 23, 2023

Please accept my condolences on your loss. I knew Sheila from our member of the Bank Street's Children Book Committee. It was a pleasure to work with her and talk about one of our favorite topics: children's books. May her memory be for a blessing.

Gloria Koster

September 23, 2023

Heartbroken to hear this news. I was a colleague of Sheila's on the Bank Street College Children's Book Committee. Though the pandemic interrupted our in-person weekly meetings and I missed seeing Sheila regularly, I often thought of her and so looked forward to re-connecting this fall. She was kind and wise. I'll really miss her and am so sorry for the family.
My deepest condolences,
Gloria Koster

susie cushner

September 22, 2023

So many joyful memories and deep gratitude in my mind and heart as I reflect on my dear, sweet friend and our life long friendship. A friendship that was ignited when we brought our 8 year old daughters , Megan and Kayla to camp in 1995. The NY chapter of my life gave us the most fortunate opportunity to deepen our friendship. Sheila was hands down the BEST NYC tour guide. We never entered a subway station together without her making sure we were not only in the proper end of the platform, but we also had to be sitting in the right end of the car. She was always in the know about all the new best food spots; our walks from 175 W12th, through Chelsea Market to the Highline and then The Whitney...sharing stories, laughing, as we walked through her city! Some weekend nights I´d be lucky enough to be invited to over to cook a meal together with Sheila and her Charl. I´d come into the lobby and ask the doorman to ring 18F and tell them "sistah" was coming up. I´d get off the elevator and walk all the way down to the end of the hall, the door would open, and there she´d be with her big warm smile. We went through the tragedy of losing her beloved Jesse. A most significant and devastating time for the family. Our friendship deepened during that time. She loved my family and my family adored her more than words can say. Since my move from NY to California, our visits were less frequent, but our bi monthly phone calls usually went on for at least an hour dissecting everything from current events, streaming shows and movies, good books, our families...and then we´d say, "have we covered everything?!"Long cherished chats filled with shared details about our days, families, challenges, hopes and dreams. She was "Auntie SheShe" to Rivers. Haddie and Penny were born within days of one another and sharing the joys of Grandmotherhood blessed our friendship with a new dimension. I miss my genuine, generous, funny, smart, kind, loyal friend. I cannot believe she´s gone. I just can´t.

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Not sure what to say?

September 16, 2024

EILEEN MILLAN posted to the memorial.

May 8, 2024

Heather White posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2024

Rella (Pip) Stuart-Hunt Wurmfeld posted to the memorial.