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Sheila Bakotic Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Bakotic
May 9, 2009
Mom,
It has been a year and I still really miss you! I am going to print this out for the girls so that they can enjoy this for years to come. There are great entries from your friends and family. Your granddaughters talk about you often and include you in the many things that they do. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and wish you were here. I know that you are with me and the girls watching over us. Tomorrow is Mother's day and I hope you know how much you are still loved. You were the best mother a girl could ask for. Happy Mother's Day MOM! I love you so much! As you said in your letter...See you soon-
I love you mom!!!
Love your middle daughter,
Julie
May 8, 2009
Grandma Tucson is our Guardian angel!
Every day and every night
When you feel the need
to hold me tight,
Just blow a kiss into the sky
For I will be that close by.
In the heavens throughout the day,
I watch over you and hear you pray.
I see you smile and shed a tear,
For you know that I'm still near.
I'm the angel of your eye,
Your angel in the sky.
Author unknown
Julie Beebe
May 8, 2009
Grandma's Eulogy
My name is Julie Beebe and for those of you who do not know me, I am Sheila’s middle daughter. My older sister’s name is Lynne and my little sister’s name is Shari. She was our mother, but held important roles in the lives of others. She was a wife, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a teacher, but at the end of the day she was just my mom and my best friend. My mom taught me many things and I wanted to share some of those lessons with you today.
She taught me about Style. My mom had amazing style. She had great fashion sense, always looking for the latest trends and looked great all the time. My mom wished at times that I had some of her style. I can still hear her saying “ Julie, your not going to were that, are you? You bet, I changed my clothes.
She taught me about giving to others. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer she knew she would beat it and was not worried about a single thing. Except for one. See my mom had been growing out her hair so that she could donate it to locks of love which takes hair donations for children’s wigs. She told me she was not worried about losing her hair with the chemo but was upset that she was not going to be able to donate it. We measured it several times and found out that she had just enough to donate to Pantene which also makes wigs but for adults. I cut her hair and Ray helped with the finishing touches. What some of you don’t know is that I used to have hair down to the middle of my back. I had long hair for over 12 years. Even with my moms pleading, I would never cut it. It was not until I realized how upset my mom was that she could not donate her hair to children that I did what she could not do. I cut 10 inches off of my hair and gave it to my mom and asked her to donate it in her name to locks of love. She was very shocked and very happy. I am not sure if she was happier that I cut my hair for her to donate or just the fact that she finally got me to cut my hair. I have a daughter named Jordyn, who was 4 at the time that my mom and I cut our hair. She wanted to cut her hair too and donate it to kids who don’t have any. Grandma could not believe a 4 year old would do that for her.
My mom taught me about music. We listened to a lot of different things while growing up and to this day she always liked things with a good beat. Those kinds of music were great for gymnastic warm ups. My mom can rest assured that if Barry Manillow ever comes on the radio she can catch me and my sisters signing along knowing ever word.
My mom taught me how to be a great teacher. My mom taught dance and gymnastics for as long as I can remember and I taught with my mom for over 20 years. She loved being with the kids and watching them learn, grow and change. She made a connection with many of them. Being with my mom, working side by side, I learned what it takes to be a good teacher and a good person.
My mom taught me about perseverance. My mom always had a positive outlook and was not going to let anything hold her back not even cancer. Last summer my mom had a catheter after her surgery so she always wore pants to hide it. That was a problem when her two granddaughters wanted to go to the water park with her. She told me we would figure something out. Not only did she have something to hide on her leg but she also had a wig. I went to target the next day and when she came back up to Phoenix, I gave her my swim cap from one of my triathlons and a few pairs of boys long bathing suits and away we went. We went several times last summer and no one was ever the wiser. When we went to Disneyland last December, she wanted to ride a very fast corkscrew roller coaster. On this one she was sure to lose the wig. She was determined to figure out how to make this work. We spent that night on the bed coming up with ways. One way was to have Ray sit behind her to catch her hair if it came off. We thought about shoe laces to tie her hair on and then she found a scarf in her suitcase. Needless to say, the next day we all rode that rollercoaster and she rode it 4 times.
My mom taught me about spoiling. She taught me that it was okay to have ice cream balls for breakfast, lunch or dinner as long as you were with the grandkids snuggling on the couch or in bed watching TV. Who says ice cream is not a breakfast food.
My mom taught me about Strength. Not once during her fight with cancer did she ever give up. Even on the toughest days she found strength somewhere. She always worried about others and never herself. Even in the end, days before her passing, she told me she just had to go home and eat. She was being strong for me even though she did not have to. That was just my mom. She was this amazing person who gave me and so many others the strength when we did not have it. All she had to do was smile and the room would light up and things just seemed better.
My mom taught me one more thing and that is what the word hero meant. I never really understood that word. Superwoman and batman are cool but my hero? How does someone become your hero? What makes a person a hero? I remembered someone asking me who my hero was and I had no idea. It was not until I was on the phone with someone while heading down to Tucson the week before my mom passed, that this person told me to use this time to say things that I might not have said yet. Well, I did just that. Two days before my mom died, I crawled into bed with her and held her hand and hold her that she as my hero and that I was so proud of her and everything that she did for me and everyone else.
My mom told me about two years ago to not cry when she dies ( I guess I never learned to listen) She said, “celebrate my life. I got to see my kids grow up, get married and see my grandchildren. I am happy.” These past three weeks have been trying on me and my family and I know for many of her friend too. So on those days that you could really use one of my moms smiles or a vote of confidence, do what I tell my daughters to do. Look up and smile and there she is.
Sheila Bakotic
May 8, 2009
Grandma's Obituary
Bakotic, Sheila (maiden Arendt), 56 of Tucson, Arizona passed away on April 22, 2008.
She was born April 26, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to Steve and Veronica Arendt. She taught gymnastics and dance in local schools. She and her husband moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1992, where she had her own gymnastics and dance instruction business. After retiring from teaching, she and her husband established his medical practice and she continued working in the business until her passing. In addition to working part-time in the business she prided herself on being a full-time grandmother. She enjoyed going to the water parks, having sleepovers, and spending special times in Sedona.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Raymond Bakotic of Tucson, Arizona; daughter Lynne Koscica and husband Ken, daughter Julie Beebe and husband Paul, daughter Shari Frisch and husband Steve; grandchildren, Frank and Sam Koscica, Jordyn and Caylee Beebe, Nicholas, Brody and Ben Frisch; sister Sharon Lanier and husband Mark; brother Steve Arendt and wife Anne.
Memorial services to be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1220 W Magee Road Tucson, Arizona 85704 on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona.
Anne and Jerry Moore
May 8, 2009
Some Fond Memories of Sheila
We first met Ray and Sheila at a Cinco de Mayo party at their house given to meet their new neighbors on Placita Diaz (or the “Court” as Sheila called it). We were their next door neighbor down a long “scary” driveway (as Sheila later named it because of a snake or two waiting to scare her when she walked up it). This also happened to be near her 50th birthday when Julie surprised everyone with a cake for her Mom. I thought then there was a special bond between Sheila and her daughter. At the party, I looked at Sheila and thought now here is someone close to my age that could be fun to know. I remember saying to her, “We empty nesters will have to get together soon.” Little did I know she had her own definition of ‘empty nester!’
Sheila was just fun. She had a flair for clothes, purses, hair, “manni’s and pedi’s.” She was always looking for a good time and a laugh and lived her life to the fullest. She had a twinkle in her eye that always brightened up someone’s day. One time, after Jerry had cut down some desert broom near their wall saying how he hated that weed, sitting at our front door on his birthday was the nicest desert broom bouquet in a Jack Daniels cup with a card saying, “Happy Birthday!” This was after we had been to the Rodeo with them and drank many a Lynchburg Lemonade and came home with the cups. The Tucson Rodeo was never so fun as it was going with the Bakotic’s and the Beebe’s. Getting to see Jordyn and Caylee in their cowboy outfits and pink boots was more of the fun, along with Ray and Sheila all dressed in their cowboy duds. Bringing the cocktails in the sippy cups was a clever tradition I thought.
Another nice thing Sheila did was when our son was home at Christmas and had just gotten engaged that day. She showed up at our door with a gift bag full of champagne, chocolates and other cute things to honor the occasion. Stuff she just had lying around; that was so Sheila.
Our neighborhood was showered with a riot of decorations in front of the Bakotic’s house every holiday. Halloween was exceptionally fun for us neighbors, with the ice chest of refreshments for the adults. Jerry and I didn’t trick or treat anymore, but we were always at their house on Halloween it seemed. We enjoyed many a fun dinner with them at one of our houses or out. The conversations never lagged, in fact, both Ray and Sheila would be talking at once most of the time! Our last dinner was memorable, after seeing their new house in Dove Mountain and then the nice restaurant nearby. Sheila was coping with her situation then, but you wouldn’t have known it. She looked great and loved showing off the new house. I was a little hurt they moved away from us, but understand them buying a 5 bedroom house, for “Julie, Paul and the girls to have enough room.” Plus, it was that much closer to Phoenix! Our loss was the Beebe’s gain.
And she left a beautiful house on Placita Diaz all redone that we neighbors get to see daily. She and Ray put in a lot of long hard hours, and Sheila did a lot of the work herself. Both inside and out went through an “extreme makeover.” Sometimes if I close my eyes while driving by, I see Beamer tied up out front while Sheila is washing one of their cars. (Beamer actually wrote a postcard to our dog Mollie one time!) Or Sheila loading up the 4-Runner with gymnastics equipment, or her mailbox always with the flag up, full of postcards for her young students, or Sheila out throwing scraps to the rabbits every afternoon, all dressed up in some fashionista outfit. We never did see her swimming au natural in the pool—not that Jerry didn’t try! She and I got to emailing and sometimes I could see the light on at her house at 3:00 am and knew I had a “sleepless on Placita Diaz” partner. Sure enough, there would be the incoming email.
I only wish she had lived closer when it was time for her chemotherapy visits—I would have gladly taken her. She was brave and valiant and I only saw her let down one time when I met her at North for a drink one afternoon. Her hair was starting to fall out and I got tears in my eyes which got her to cry. But after that it was all business, and she was going to fight this thing till she won. She had an amazing inner strength which I admire to this day.
I know how much she loved being with Julie and the girls. They were the “light of her life.” One day, the door bell rang and it was Sheila holding Jordyn, both in their bathing suits, with cute hats and flip flops. She just wanted to show off her pretty, growing-up-grand daughter. Sheila had such a zest for life it was contagious, and so fun to be around her. I can see why her family misses her so. But at least her memory will never fade. She was one special lady.
We too will always miss her and wished we had known her just a little longer.
Much love and sadness,
Anne and Jerry Moore
April, 2009
Delma Huggins
May 8, 2009
Julie and girls,
I made those fluffy baby blankets for grama to give the girls when they were born. I remember the first one I gave to Ray to send to your sister when she had here baby. I received this beautiful note from Sheila thanking for the soft baby afgan. A few months later, Ray asked me to make one for Sheila, which I made for her birthday in colors to match her den at home. Shortly, after, I had a note from Sheila could I make one of those soft afgans for Julie, she would pick out the colors of yarn and send it to me to make. She sent a sweet thank you note after she surprised Julie with the afgan in the crib to match the colors of the room. A Couple of years later, I received another note, Julie is having another baby, we would like an afgan for the new baby. She, sent me the yarn and I received a picture in the mail one day. The beautiful picture of Sheila, Ray and the baby wrapped in that fluffy afgan. I look at that picture once in awhile and think about how much those little girls meant to their grama.
As this year has passed I think about Sheila and how wonderful and loving she was.
Happy memories,
Love Delma Huggins
Fred Ribando
May 8, 2009
Jordyn and Caylee-
On one of her dog walking trips with Beamer, Sheila stopped at our house to talk with my wife, Lee, who was at our front lawn. That went into a conversation and ended with both in the house.
Sheila wanted to see what our house was like inside as she llived on the same street in the same model as ours. This was the beginning of our friendship as both woman took a kiking to each other and both seemed to have common interests. One was of knitting of which Lee had done many years in creating beautiful results. After showing some of her work to Sheila, they they kept in touch and seeing eaach other quite often as Sheijla wanted to learn more about knitting. Later , I met Ray and our frieendship grew to the point of inviting eaach other for dinner as well as cocktails and parties. We enjoyed our get togethers. Sheila was a lot fun, full of life, very active, humorous and sincere, you had to love her. Then came Julie's and Paul's beautiful wedding at the Skyline Country Club and she insisted we attend, it was great. Of course, then came Jordyn's birthday party, we couldn't pass that up. Always something exciting going on. Sheila had a lot of love for everybody.
Later after my wife had passed away, I felt Sheila would like to have some of Lee's belongings, so I invited her over. Among some of the items she took she was overwhelmed to accept the beautiful set of knitting needles. I was most pleased for her to have them because Lee had become so fond of Sheila.
It was a hugh shock when I learned Sheil had passed away. I could not believe anyone so lively, full of so much vigor and excitement was taken away.
Sincerely,
Fred
Jennifer Hart
May 5, 2009
Jordyn and Caylee-
These memories and wishes are for you to remember what an amazing grandma you have watching over you from heaven. She always would have a smile on her face and made sure she laughed at least 10 times a day. She made sure that every last detail of the day was complete and everyone was happy. She would make sure you were by listening by ending statements of detail with dot..dot..dot to make sure she never forgot something. She never passed up a moment to tell anyone about you guys. She was very proud of you each and everyday and she is still looking down with a twinkle in her eye. Grandma Tucson was unique in a very special way. She loved the holidays and decorated her home, loved to give presents and dress up to look like a princess. She has a wonderful collection of Nutcrackers that all tell a story. Her belief in faith and family was very strong and she always found a way no matter what to end the day with a smile. She believed in treating others with kindness and to live each moment of your life to the fullest. She loved to take walks and look at nature and all the beautiful things that surround us. Her passion for gymnastics and teaching others to believe in themselves was one of her great accomplishments. Many little girls had a chance to be someone special and learn to be strong because of your grandma. She taught them to work hard and keep smiling and they will succeed. Grandma Tucson was a beautiful lady that was loved very much by her family and friends. Her memories will be with me forever.
Michael & Anne Russell
April 20, 2009
Ray, Julie, Lynne, Shari and Sheila’s beautiful grandchildren, I don’t know how many times I have started writing about our memories of Sheila, only to stop, reminisce and never finish writing.
It is nearly three years since Michael and I met Ray and Sheila at the airport in Rome. After we introduced ourselves, Sheila said that they had been to Queensland (Australia) for their honeymoon. We couldn’t believe that they had spent their honeymoon on the same island that we had – small world isn’t it.
In Rome, we decided to head off to see the sights as Ray and Sheila were busy finalising the sale of their house. Imagine our surprise when we arrived at Circus Maximus and who should be sitting on the steps waiting for us but Ray and Sheila. We spent the rest of the day walking to all the tourist spots. At the Roman Forum, Sheila and I decided we wanted to get our photo taken with a Gladiator so as we positioned ourselves for the photo, then the Gladiator’s cell phone rang – we burst out laughing.
We have many other memories. I can still see Sheila dancing at the restaurant in Tuscany – she had so much fun and her enthusiasm was contagious. On the tour, Ray and Sheila always bought some local wine and cheese then passed cups round around the bus with samples for everyone to try. I remember Ray smiling and throwing his hands in the air, saying “Sheila loves being the hostess”. In Padua, we have a great group photo on a bridge – holding hands stretching from one side to the other – it is one of my favourite photos of our tour.
When Sheila emailed us with the news of her illness we were devastated. We prayed that the treatment would work … but they say God only takes the ‘good ones’ … how true.
Many times during 2007, I would be studying late at night in Australia and there would be a ‘bing’ and an email would arrive from Sheila – she was up again in the early hours of the morning in the US. We would chat. She sent us photos of the new house, the new hair styles, and talked about the fun she was with her daughters and grandchildren. Such precious times that can never to replaced!
Norma Stone
March 31, 2009
Sheila has been gone almost a year and I still miss not having someone to email in the middle of the night and having an answer when I got up the next morning. Most people just send "forwards" but Sheila always let you know what she was thinking and I always appreciated that if I was concerned about something she got right back to me and gave me her thoughts on the subject. Our friendship started as a business relationship but she made it very easy for me to feel we had known each other for years. I always enjoyed being around Sheila and Raymond because they were so compatible, and truly considerate people. Sheila loved her family. She wrote about her trips to the water park after she became sick many times and I knew she was making memories for her grandchildren in spite of her illness. It would have been easy for her to just sit around and feel sorry for herself after she became sick but that was not her personality. I know from what Julie has written, she and the grandaughter's, Jordan and Caylee are having a hard time without her. As hard as it is to accept the loss of their mother and grandmother, how lucky they were to have had someone in their lives that loved them so much.
RUSSELL LOME
February 12, 2009
Dear Dr. Bakotic,
Today I stumbled upon the notice about your wife.
I am very sorry for your loss, and wish you and your family well.
Russell M. Lome (patient)
BOB & LINDA FLITCROFT
August 30, 2008
I FIRST MET SHEILA & RAY WHEN MYSELF, MY WIFE, MY MOTHER IN LAW, SISTER IN LAW & GOOD FREIND TRAVELLED TO ITALY & GREECE FOR A SHORT TOUR. WE MET IN ROME & THEN FOR 2 WEEKS HAD A GREAT TIME GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER. SHEILA WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT YOU THINK YOU HAVE KNOWN FOREVER EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE WITH HER GREAT WIT & HAPPY SMILE. WE THEN KEPT IN TOUCH BY EMAIL. MY WIFE LINDA & I HAD PLANNED TO GO TO THE STATES TO SEE OUR NEW FOUND FREINDS & HAVE A LOOK AT THEIR COUNTRY. ALTHOUGH WE RECEIVED THE TRAGIC NEWS OF SHEILAS ILLNESS & WENT THROUGH THAT WITH HER FROM SUCH A LONG DISTANCE WE ALWAYS IMAGENED HER TO BE THERE WHEN WE FINALLY GOT TO MAKE THE TRIP. BUT ALAS SHE WAS TAKEN FROM HER FAMILY & FREINDS BEFORE THAT TRIP COULD EVENTUATE. WE STILL INTEND TO MAKE THE TRIP & HOPE TO MEET UP WITH RAY, JULIE & THE REST OF HER FAMILY. I KNOW WE COULD NOT POSSIBLY KNOW WHAT PAIN & GRIEF YOU HAVE ALL BEEN THROUGH BUT FROM OUR LITTLE GROUP THAT GOT TO KNOW SHEILA PLEASE ACCEPT OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES. WE JUST FEEL LUCKY & PRIVILEGED TO HAVE MET SUCH A LADY.
LOVE TO ALL THE FAMILY
BOB & LINDA FLITCROFT
Debbie and Dean Doubrava
August 13, 2008
We met your Grandma Tucson at Maddie's birthday party in Tucson. You girls were having so much fun playing out in Maddie's backyard on the swings and in the sandbox, running around and giggling together.
We sat at the table with your Grandma and Grandpa Tucson while we ate our lunch and you sat there, too with your own plates, and stealing little "treats" from your grandma :)
Your Grandma was such a pretty lady, and we laughed and talked a lot as we got to know each other. Mostly we talked about our granddaughters! You see, our granddaughters are Maddie and Ashley, and we had fun telling stories about you girls and all the great things we get to do with our girls. I knew that she loved you both very much.
We are very happy that we got to know your Grandma Tucson! She was a very special and brave lady. You can always remember that she was a true hero!
Love, Debbie and Dean
(Maddie and Ashley's Grammie and Grampie)
Debbie Doubrava
August 11, 2008
Jordyn & Caylee,
What Tom & I remember most about your Grandma Tucson was her bright smile, twinkling eyes, and contagious laugh. She was so outgoing and put everyone around her at ease. She always made us feel like we were part of your family and welcome. We remember her painting her girls' toenails, showing both of you gymnastics moves, & playtime in the pool. There was never a dull moment at your birthday parties with your grandma's witty commentary as she captured your special day on camera/video. She seemed to have a knack for making each of you feel so very special. We also won't forget cheering on the rodeo performers with all of you and sharing yummy treats at the rodeo and Greek Festival (Jordyn, you were too young to remember this, but you were there). Her love for you both is SO great. What I loved most about your grandma was that she LIVED her life with her whole self, not holding anything back. She touched so many lives and we are lucky to have shared time with her & your family. Love, Deb, Tom, Maddie, & Ash (Doubrava)
Mary Lou Fiorucci
June 30, 2008
Jordyn & Caylee: I have very special memories of being with and enjoying your Grandma Tucson's company. I especially remember all your birthday parties where Grandma Tucson would be the "videographer". Also, we started a tradition that she and Pappa Tucson would stop at our home each year on their way up to Sedona for Christmas. We would have a good visit with lots of laughs. I even taught your Grandma how to crochet on one of those visits. Grandma was always laughing. Now she is up in Heaven helping all the other angels learn gymnastics and laugh. But remember, she will always be with the two of you. You were very precious to her. Love, Grandma "Fruit Trees"
Janice Wyatt
June 30, 2008
I met Sheila two years ago. She became a customer of mine, but most of all, a good friend. I took an instant liking to her from day one. We talked regularly when I was on my way to work. I spent many mornings sitting in my car, in the bank parking lot, talking and laughing and sometimes crying with Sheila. I looked forward to our calls and many times we would be dailing each other at the same time. She was so easy to talk with and she made me feel special in her life.
When I got to know Ray, I was amazed at the friendship between the two of them. I loved watching them interact with each other. They were a great couple that truly appreciated and enjoyed one another.
Sheila loved her family so much. She would tell me about the fun times she had with her grandchildren.
Even though my time with Sheila was short, I feel blessed to have had her in my life. I have missed our morning calls and her friendship, but some how I feel she is still with me in that car, as I can still hear her laughter.
Sheila will be my forever friend.
Tom and Rita Watkins
June 29, 2008
Shiela and Ray were our Catalina del Rey neighbors many years ago, and we enjoyed great social occasions with them. When they moved, we continued to trade visits in Tucson, and even tried a Sedona visit. Several times more recently we would meet at a neutral evening spot for happy hour, and talk about all the old and good times we had together. About a year ago Shiela casually mentioned her cancer. -- nothing more.
Emails kept us in touch during her treatment and as recenitly as a week prior to our phone call from Ray reporting her loss.
Just this last February, during an Elderhostel Cruise to New Zealand, Rita and I met the wife of a young Auckland couple who could easily pass as Shiela's sister -- she even had the same laugh! Unfortunately Shiela died before a recent visit of her "twin sister" to Tucson took place. Shiela was looking forward to meeting this lady and had emailed me so a week before she died.
Rita and I loved to be with Shiela so much; she was always the one who made our get togethers extra fun -- seems like we were laughing all the time!
Should any of Shela and Ray's friends travel to Auckland, NZ they should contact us first for the name and address of our friends there. A visit will be so much like being with Ray and Shiela again that you will be ever so glad you made it.
Ray, may God comfort you and your step daughters during your grief; and Shiela, rest in peace, but know you are severely missed and dearly loved by all of us. Your friends and family will continue mutual support, with special attention given to Ray and your daughters.
Until, God calls us too and we meet again for happy hour .....
Tom and Rita
Cindy Beebe
June 25, 2008
Jordyn, This message is really for you about Grandma Tucson and one special memory I have of her. It was your birthday and we were celebrating it in Tucson at the Pizza Parlor. Your theme was Princesses and all three of your grandmas were there, Grandma Tucson, Grandma Fiorucci, and me, Grandma by the Waterpark. All three of us were dressed in all of the princess colors, blue, pink and yellow and you called us your Grandma princesses because we matched the princesses at your party. Well Grandma Tucson was definitely a princess, and I was glad I got to know her. She was pretty, and funny, and always smiling. Now she is a Princess Angel, as well as your Grandma Princess. Love You, Grandma Cindy
Anne Arendt
June 24, 2008
Dear Lynn, Julie, & Shari,
Your mom was a very special lady. I see a lot of her in each one of you girls. She was very proud of her three very lovely daughters and her beautiful grandchildren.
Steve and I really enjoyed our visit in April and we are grateful to have those special memories with Sheila and Ray. So, I just want to tell you that being a guest at your mother’s house was just one of my nicest experiences. Your mom has a way of making her guests feel pretty special. With her it was all about the little things; beginning with a cooler packed with all sorts of refreshments when they picked us up at the airport, and then there were ice cold water bottles in our room; a basket of ‘this and that’ was in the bathroom in case we forgot something, and a special note under the door in the morning. And that was just the first day. There were many more moments where both your mom and Ray showered us with love and attention. These things don’t go unnoticed.
I will always remember what I learned from her. I will always remember how “thought full” she was. How did she learn to be such a good hostess? You know, where you put your time and energy tells everything about what you value in life. Your mom knew how to make people feel special.
I have been looking forward to Christie coming home for a visit. I have quite a few new ideas of how to welcome her home and shower her with attention. And when she shows her surprise (and I know she will) I look forward to telling her “it’s something I learned from your Aunt Sheila, who knew a lot about showing attention on those she loved."
I love you girls. Please know that I am always here for you.
Love,
Aunt Anne
Pam Brown
June 19, 2008
I have so many memories of my Auunt Sheila--knox blocks; "chocolate covered worms"; Sweetest Day (a tradition I now share with my own children after learning it from Aunt Sheila), and lots of good times, but one memory of her stands out to me. When I was probaby 6 or so years old, the five of us girls had watched Jaws on television. I was mortified and couldn't sleep after that. Without making me feel silly for being afraid of a shark from a movie when we weren't even near the water, Aunt Sheila took me aside so no one could hear (and make fun of me) and showed me a book about the making of the movie and explained to me how it was fake and why I didn't need to be afraid. Years later, when Sheila, the girls and my uncle came to visit us in California, they went to Universal Studios. Aunt Sheila took a picture of the Jaws shark. When they got back, she came to me (again, when no one was around) and showed me the picture she had taken and said she thought me of and wanted to make sure she got a shot of the "fake shark." It was our little secret.
I will always love my Aunt Sheila and will cherish my memories of her.
Edna and Don Droegemeyer
June 19, 2008
June 19, 2008
Dear Julie and Raymond,
We are so glad to receive the email notice of Julie regarding this special memory page of Dear SHEILA on the web.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family memoirs .
We first met Sheila with her loving spouse, Raymond on the GLOBUS Tour of Italy from May 6 - May 15, 2006.
They became "instant friends of long long ago" with us.
Their kindliness and gracious ways of treating us, as senior old tourist who were "super-slow in walking "through all the museums and landmarks of Italy, made us feel God's caring ways given us through their vibrant and beautiful persons!
Sheila and Raymond would present us a refreshing bottle of wine or champagne at dinner time; after a hard day's walk/work(?) through all those tourists spots. We become tongue-tied in making them know how we appreciate their thoughtfulness.
Shiela will burst out in her unforgettable and contagious laughter that even the stoics will laugh with her as she responds garciously to receive our "Thank You".
As we went on to Greece, we became very very good friends. This time, sharing more "papal jokes" that we acquired in Rome! She is always that "hilarious lady' for us!
Sheila is an epitome of beauty and grace; and Raymond complements those attributes with his gentleness and "clean-fresh-tidy"looks. They are a perfect couple: so much in love with each other!
When the tour was over, we received an Italian Musical CD from them...and that started our regular email and phone talks!
On that remarkable day in February 2007, an email from dearest Sheila came with much sad news: She has cancer!
However she talked about the horrible ailment with much HOPE and COURAGE!...For us that is the true to life "Amazing GRACE"!
And then we started to plan on their visit with us here in Santa Rosa, California.
This special wish in our hearts came true on July ,2007. Their four -day visit was a memory of a life time.
We have laughed and loved with each other every minute and every day of that visit.
We established the "Santa Rosa Bar & Grill", our colors were "green, pink and yellow "and our email code was the "REDS"---Raymond, Edna, Don and Sheila"
Then Sheila will jokingly say that Raymond and Sheila are the "bookends" and we are the "books"...on that code: REDS...that was the last thing we whispered to her on the phone last April 20,2008..."The REDS" will remain forever in love and laughter.."
And that will always be the way we will remember SHEILA...Laughter Love, Joy and Hope!
We are so grateful that God allowed our Special Friend, SHEILA to touch our life.
Edna (60 years old)
and Don (94 years old) Droegemeyer of Santa Rosa, California
Julie Beebe
June 19, 2008
Sleepless in Phoenix...
Mom, life is not the same without you. I miss my best friend. You knew everything about my life. You knew the right things to say when I needed the right things said. I feel lost without you. I pick up the phone to call you but your not there. I check my messages just to see if you called...I know you are happy where you are at with Grandma and Grandpa and Beamer. I just wish I could find some of your happiness. Nothing seems right now that you are gone. I need my mom and Jordyn and Caylee need their Grandma Tucson. I try and be strong like you always were but it is not easy. I don't know how you did it all the time. I know you are watching over us but I just wish you were here with us so that you could put your arms around me and tell my everything will be okay. As you whispered in my ear...I love you SO MUCH. I miss you MOM!!! You will always be my best friend!
Love, Your Middle Daughter
Jo Beth Pomeroy
June 1, 2008
Dear Dr. Bakotic and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Sheila taught dance and gymnastics at Fountain of Life Church for many years while I was the Director of the Day Care. The children adored her enthusiasm.
She always was so pleasant and kind to our staff, spoiling us with beautiful gift baskets. After my stroke she continued to send me cards and lift my spirits.
Once again, I am so very sorry for the loss of this beautiful lady with a heart of gold. My prayers are with you and your entire family.
In Christ,
Jo Beth Pomeroy
Gary Gilmore and Family
May 29, 2008
Dr. Bakotic,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lawrence wolf
May 28, 2008
Hi Ray, it was only by accident that I came accross this notice and i'm remembering a most vivacious lady who I was glad to know if for only a short time. So sorry for your loss. Larry
Steve Arendt
May 19, 2008
To my big sister
We hooked up again, so late in life. It wasn’t until the passing of mom and dad, when we looked at all the years we missed together. Since December 2005, you’ve made every morning’s email so crazy. I knew your day's plans like I was there. It was like we had a list of things to get done today all the way from my desk in Michigan. All the stories of laughter from eating chicken in the Cosco parking lot to me getting pepper in my eyes from a Bloody Mary. A part of my heart is lost, but I know I will find it when we meet again in the Lord’s house. So keep mom and dad laughing, and mix up a big pitcher of margaritas(until I find some Budlights) for us when I come knocking.
I love you
your Brother
LLS (Later Love Steve)
Bill & Norma Burklow
May 14, 2008
Dr. Bakotic,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God's grace strengthen and comfort you all.
Shari Frisch
May 13, 2008
I miss you mom!! D.F.I.L.U.
Sharon Fair
May 12, 2008
Dr. Bakotic,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember you talking about your wife on my many visits to your office. I have a poem for you that helped me through many a days when my son died.
When I must leave you
For a little while
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hold your sorrow to you
Through the years
But start out bravely
With a gallant smile
And for my sake
And in my name
Live on and do
All things the same
Feed not your loneliness
On empty days
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways
Reach out your hand
In comfort and cheer
And I in turn will comfort YOU
And hold you near
And never, never
Be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!
Marcy Boak
May 12, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Mrs. Shelia holds a very special place in my heart. "Mrs. Sheili" and "Mrs. Julie" taught all three of my girls Gymnastics. Jamie, Jaycie & Cassidy. Mrs. Shelia, you are truly an angel in heaven.
Jerry Wyatt
May 12, 2008
What a special lady Sheila was. The times we spent with her and Ray were always full of joy and laughter. Sheila knew how to make the most out of every moment and how to make those around her feel special. Sheila gave of her love so freely, both to her family and her friends. We will miss her. We extend our deepest sympathies to Ray and the family.
Lynne Koscica
May 12, 2008
Love you to the moon and back Mom!
Janice Wyatt
May 11, 2008
Ray and family, Life isn't the same without my friend, Sheila. I think of her everyday and how she made me laugh and was always lending an ear. She was a true friend and beautiful lady and she loved her family so much. Her memories will be with me forever.
Julie Beebe
May 11, 2008
Happy Mothers Day Mom!
Love, Julie
Jordyn and Caylee Beebe
May 11, 2008
We miss you Mama!! We love you so much!!! Fruit salad...
Mick and Karen Munson
May 11, 2008
I had never met Mrs. Bakotic. But after moving to New York, I had talked to her many times in getting my records sent here. She was so nice, always asking how we were doing, just a wonder person.
Our heart's go out to Dr. Bakotic and family.
God Bless you Dr. B
Phoebe Daniels
May 11, 2008
Dear Dr. Bakotic, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I am a former patient of yours while I was living in Tucson in 2002/2003.
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