Sheila Allen Spelce

Sheila Allen Spelce January 22, 1936 – July 9, 2003 Sheila Allen Spelce, 67, died in Austin Wednesday July 9 following a courageous 3½-year battle with ovarian cancer. Just as she embraced life, Sheila faced her battle with cancer with dignity, determination, independence and a smile. A resident of Austin for a half-century, Sheila was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. She graduated from Edinburg High School, then earned her BFA in Radio/Television at The University of Texas in 1958 and, later, an MA in Humanities from New York University. Sheila was known for her ability to find humor in life, even when humor no longer seemed possible. She was a free-spirited woman who inspired others through her passions for family, education and travel. Although she traveled the world extensively, she held three places closest to her heart. Barton Springs, where she swam nearly every day of the year, helped her gain energy and peace of mind. South Padre Island, where she spent much of her life, was another place that brought her great joy. And, finally, she couldn’t get enough of New York City, where she thrived on its energy, culture and arts. Her professional life included a variety of positions that started upon college graduation when she worked as a bi-lingual flight attendant for Pan American World Airways. Toward the end of her career, she was a Continuing Education special events coordinator at UT and was the owner and manager of a number of residential properties until the day she died. Sheila continued a lifelong interest and involvement in all facets of the theater and was a supporter of many cultural activities and organizations in the Austin area, especially the Austin Lyric Opera, Zachary Scott Theater, Austin Circle of Theaters, Austin Theater Alliance and the Austin Men’s Chorus. She also volunteered her time in a variety of civic activities ranging from Cub Scout Den Mother to Precinct Chairman and Election Judge. Sheila Spelce is survived by her son, Allen Spelce and his wife, Kit; and daughter, Cile Spelce, from Austin. She also leaves her mother, Lucile Allen; two sisters, LuAnn Alexander and Betty Cox and her husband, Ed, from Edinburg. Additionally, she is remembered by her nieces and nephews, Sharon Alexander of Dallas, Larry Alexander of Providence, Rhode Island, Cindy Alexander of McAllen, Eddie Cox of Austin and Cheri Cox Palumbo and husband, Jim, of South Padre Island. She is also survived by her former husband, Neal Spelce and his wife, Connie, from Austin, as well as her brother-in-law, Bennett Spelce, and his wife, Dianne, of Round Rock. Her father, William Ray Allen, died in 1960. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care and help from the staff and volunteers at Hospice Austin. Our appreciation is unending. A memorial service will be held Monday July 14, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd., in South Austin near her beloved Barton Springs. Immediately following the service, the family will be available to share remembrances of Sheila with friends at a reception. Because the service and reception will be outside, dress is casual. If you would like to make a contribution in Sheila’s memory, donations will be received at Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin 78759 and Zachary Scott Theater, 1510 Toomey Road, Austin 78704.