Susan Jeanne Sheeley

Susan Pomada Sheeley

June 12, 1942 - September 20, 2025

Poultney, Vermont - Susan Pomada Sheeley, beloved wife, mother, educator, and community leader, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025. She was 83.

Susan was born on June 12, 1942, at the New York City Infirmary to Maxim and Rita (Ross) Pomada. In her early years, the family operated a turkey farm between Thompson Ridge & Pine Bush, NY. She graduated from Pine Bush High School in 1960 and began her college studies at Cortland State Teachers College (now known as SUNY Cortland). On August 19, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, MM3(SS) Royal E. Sheeley, USN, of Wallkill, NY. The couple later moved to North Carolina, where Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A devoted Navy wife and dedicated teacher, Susan taught elementary school in Mystic, CT, and later worked as a Reading Specialist in southeastern Connecticut and southwestern Rhode Island. She was actively involved in her community as a Girl Scout leader in Westerly, RI, a member of the Board of Deacons at the Pawcatuck-Westerly Congregational Church, and through her longstanding service in the American Legion Auxiliary in Castleton, VT. She was a Past President of Crippen-Fellows American Legion Auxiliary Unit 50 and served as 4th District Auxiliary President in the Department of Vermont.

In 1997, Susan and Royal made Poultney, Vermont their home. She continued her lifelong passion for education as a full-time substitute teacher at Poultney Elementary School and Mary J. Tanner School in Granville, NY.

Beyond her professional life, Susan found joy in needlepoint, 18th-century reenactment, and open-hearth cooking in her historic home. She was also an enthusiastic shopper and a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Susan loved music and holidays.

Susan faced a diagnosis of mild cognitive disorder in 2013, which progressed into Alzheimer's Disease. Through it all, she was surrounded by the love of her family and community.

She was predeceased by her parents, Maxim and Rita Pomada; her son, Christopher Sheeley; her twin sister, Carolyn Sheeley; and her older sister, Elizabeth Pomada.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, LCDR Royal E. Sheeley, USN (Ret.); her daughters Cynthia Sheeley Meardy and husband Bill of Pawcatuck, CT, and Julianna Sheeley Fedler and husband Condon of Poultney, VT; her brother Charles Pomada and family of Trumansburg, NY; along with cherished step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Susan's life was defined by love, service, and a steadfast devotion to family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Castleton American Legion, 378 VT-4A, Castleton, VT 05735 on Sunday November 9, 2025 from 1:00-5:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, Bayada Home Health, or the Alzheimer's Association in Susan's memory.