Sheila Riddle Fitzpatrick

1949 - 2016

August 14, 1949 - May 11, 2016
As a thunder storm roared outside Sheila Riddle Fitzpatrick peacefully left this world and began her eternal journey in the early morning hours of May 11th. A throng of friends and family gathered quickly when hearing of her unexpected passing to comfort her and pray for her. It is a testament to the type of person Sheila was that friends she had met during the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond were there for her within hours of hearing of her stroke.
Sheila was born on August 14, 1949 in Augusta Georgia, just one of the stops her military family would call home. She was the second child of Dorothy and Richard Riddle, both of whom preceded her in death. CWO Riddle's career in the Corps of Engineers required that the family move just about every year. Sheila attended seven different schools before graduating from John Marshall High School in 1967, then graduating from Texas A&I University and earned her Master's Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. During her Social Work career she continued to improve her professionalism through continuous learning and then used her knowledge and expertise to teach and mentor others. Her professional life included long careers with Child Protective Services, Annie P Casey Foundation, hospice work and family counseling. Sheila's career was defined by the positive impact she had on countless lives.

Sheila married Michael Courson in 1971 and, though their marriage did not last, they were good friends and devoted parents to their daughter, Heather Anne Courson, who now resides in Austin with her partner Sophia Barbato. She was an unconditionally supportive mother and loving sister to her brothers Mike Riddle from Kona, HI and Edwin Riddle and his wife Connie from San Antonio, Texas. She was a wonderful and caring aunt to Atlee Riddle, Zach Riddle and Alana Riddle.

Sheila cherished her relationship with her longtime partner, Richard Aguilar, who will miss her and love her forever. Richards family was a big part of Sheila's life. She especially treasured her role as Grandma Sheila to his seven grandchildren.

A Celebration of Sheila's life will take place at Unity Church of San Antonio,1723 W Lawndale, San Antonio TX 78209 on Wednesday May 18th at 11:00 AM. There will be a reception following in the Church Hall.

We know Sheila would want you to make a contribution to a charity of your choice in her honor. To really honor her do what she did her entire life; reach out to someone in need, lend an ear to someone disheartened, make someone laugh who is sad, treat everyone you meet with love and respect.