Sheila Anne Benedict, age 66 formerly of Sheldon, passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2021.
Memorial services were held on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 11:00 am at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home.
Memorials in her name can be made to the Todd County Developmental Achievement Center at 551 West 6th Street Browerville, MN 56438 and Foster Advocates.
Sheila was born on January 17, 1955 in Sheldon, Iowa to parents Dr. Robert and Betty (Shaffer) Griffin. Sheila was always ready to offer kind words and support to all who knew her. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Sheila had a warm and vibrant soul. She was able to see beauty in all people and things.
She spent many years being of service to others; throughout her career she made such a difference in the lives of many people with disabilities. She recognized each person she served as a unique individual with hopes and dreams. She advocated for those who were unable to, or didn’t know how to speak up for themselves. Sheila brought much joy and love into the lives of the individuals she supported, which they often didn’t receive elsewhere in their lives.
Sheila was a very loving and supportive mother and nana to her children and grandchildren. She was their strongest cheerleader in all that they did; things big and small. She was always a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. She rejoiced at her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, supported them through hard times and always laughed with them while reminiscing on good times and humorous memories.
Sheila had a great love of nature, she was happiest while spending time outdoors. Sheila spent her summers in Minnesota, where she enjoyed tending to her many vegetable and flower gardens, and could often be seen delivering the latest harvest of fresh vegetables to one of her many neighbors. When the weather started to turn in Minnesota, she would make her way down south to Florida for the winter. The beach was her happy place. She spent many hours walking the beach with her beloved dog, Stella. She would always rejoice when she found a new shark tooth, sand dollar, perfectly intact sea shell or piece of sea glass to add to her vast collection. She always made it a point to watch the sunset wherever she was, and took joy in the infinite beauty each one had to offer.
Sheila was always crafting something, taking a class to gain new skills or thinking up her next project. She enjoyed bestowing her loved ones with one of her many latest creations, which we all hold so dear to our hearts now.
Sheila is survived by her two children, Megan Palecek of Woodbury, MN and Andrew (Hillary) Benedict of Port Townsend, WA. Four grandchildren, Cash Holmes, Easton Benedict, Keira and Hazel Palecek; Three of her four siblings, Mary Lipsett, Pat (Larry) Murphy and Connie (Dick) Mataloni; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Sheila was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Griffin, Jr. and brother-in-law Jay Lipsett.
