Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Obituary
Guest Book
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
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.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more