Sheila Lois "Cissy" Gottlieb

On September 11, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA, Louis A. Gottlieb and Celia S. Gottlieb had the great fortune of welcoming into this world, Sheila Lois Gottlieb, “Cissy”. Cissy passed away at her home Sunday, August 21, 2016, surrounded by family and friends, including her faithful companion, Bailey, a Welsh Corgi.

Cissy is a native Charlottean. She graduated from Central High School then attended Junior College at Fairfax Hall in Fairfax, Virginia. She returned to Charlotte to complete her BA in English at Queens College. After graduation, Cissy moved to Europe and taught English as a second language to Germans through the U.S. Army Social Services.

Upon returning to Charlotte, Cissy began running Merrywood Farm. Cissy was the quintessential definition of a true horsewoman who guided countless young men and women towards a lifetime appreciation for horses. Her old school disciplines for hunter jumper training always put the animals first.

For decades, Cissy offered her home to a very special select group of boarders who remain dear as family.

Always the consummate hostess, her humble holiday family gatherings set the standard for gracious entertaining, which always included a stranger.

Cissy possessed a fine eye and appreciation for art and antiques, as evidenced in both her home and antique business, High Cotton. Cissy styled homes, advising friends or family, and was always willing to share her experience and knowledge—whether you asked for it or not.

As chairwoman at Temple Beth El’s Social Action Committee, Cissy established high standards at the Urban Ministry soup kitchen for many years.

Cissy was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Bernard and Paul Gottlieb; as well as nephews, Jeff Gottlieb and Randy Sinkoe. She is survived by her sister, Fay G. Sinkoe; nieces, Marci Sinkoe, Teri Deal, Sandi Lorrey, Robin Crosier (Roy), Toni Hudgins (Ed), Happi Moore (Bruce), Brenda Moore (Eric), Beverly Grey (Michael); nephews, Louis Sinkoe (Kevin Levine); 19 great-nieces and nephews; and countless admirers.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Cissy Gottlieb will be held at Charlotte Hebrew Cemetery, Wednesday, Aug. 24th, 11:00 am.

Cissy’s family would like to graciously thank Dr. Dale Owen, Dr. Lorri Ayers, Camille Chaplin, Charles Beasley, Marci Sinkoe, and Millie Morris for their professionalism and relentless care.

Cissy requested that any contributions be directed towards Temple Beth El, Charlotte NC, or the Humane Society. If you knew Cissy you know she would also ask that you be kind to each other, to animals and the earth.