Sheila (Stoddard) Bentley

Mrs. Sheila (Stoddard) Bentley, age 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 7, 2016 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House. She was the wife of the late Ray Bentley who died in December 2011. She was born in May 23, 1937, in New York City. Sheila was the daughter of the late Ezekiel Gilbert and Mary Alice (Waller) Stoddard. Sheila was raised in Washington, DC. She was a graduate of Madiera School, Briarcliffe College and Georgetown University. She was a gifted Math teacher for many years. She also worked at Addison Gilbert Hospital the former Webber II wing and later was a Therapist for abused women, helping them find their authentic voices. Sheila is survived by her sister Audrey "DiDi" Stoddard and her partner Jesselyn Tobin of Carlisle. Her step son Alexander Bentley and his wife Tanya and their children Sarah and Jackson of CA. Her step daughter Larissa Raher of Gloucester and her longtime companion Dean Brown of Manchester and Larissa's daughter Amy (Raher) Galkin and her husband Jason of CA. Her sister-in-law Fay (Bentley) Lawler of Gloucester, her brother-in-law John Bentley and his wife Betty of CO. Her niece Nancy Lawler and her husband Joseph of OH, her nephew's Mil Lawler and his wife Laura and their children Ivan and Jude of WI, James Bentley and his wife Christel and their children Madison and Lauren of VT. She is also survived by several other relatives and her lifelong friend Wendy Watts Pierson as well as her Goddaughter Nina (Pierson) Bucci. Heartfelt thanks to all the Associated Home Care and the staff at Care Dimensions for the loving care given to Sheila for many years. Sheila's Funeral will be held at the Pike-Newhall Funeral home, 61 Middle St. Gloucester at a later date in the Spring. Family, friends and former patients and clients of Sheila will be invited. Donations in Sheila's name may be made to the Addison Gilbert Hospital Citizen's Fund, PO Box 1425, Gloucester, MA 01930.