Sheila Marie Sears

Sheila Marie Sears (Thacker), born on May 6, 1977, in Corona, California, passed away at the age of 47 on August 13, 2024, in Murrieta, California. Sheila moved to Hemet/Murrieta California at the age of 2, and lived in the area most of her life. She loved learning and playing games. Sheila was a beacon of kindness and generosity, living her life with unwavering compassion and positivity that continues to influence her colleagues, students, friends and family. A devoted educator, she dedicated her career to teaching second and third graders at Mesa View Elementary School, where she also coordinated celebrations to acknowledge the efforts of school volunteers.

Sheila attended Winchester Elementary School, Acacia Middle School, and West Valley High School. She joined the girl scouts and raised a pig in 4H while living on her grandmother’s farm. Her love of theater before and during high school showed through during her on stage performances. She played Christine Daaé from Phantom of the Opera, Cinderella in Cinderella, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. She loved Cheerleading, Dance and Choir.

Sheila finished her Bachelor’s degree before raising two wonderful children Scott and Madison. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Washington University. After obtaining her degree she spent 3 weeks is South Korea teaching English. She finished her Master’s degree in Education Curriculum from Concordia University. Her commitment to education was further demonstrated by her pursuit of 30 additional continuing education credits, ensuring she remained at the forefront of teaching excellence.

Beyond her professional life, Sheila was a lover of the beach, an avid reader, enthusiastic about scrapbooking, and enjoyed camping trips. She traveled domestically and internationally to over 25 states including Hawaii and Alaska. Her international travel included South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Haiti, San Juan Puerto Rico, Saint Maarten, and Saint Kitts. Her sense of humor was uniquely cherished among those who knew her well. Whether it was talking about her mouse tattoo or having people smell their ice cream before taking a bite. She delighted in playful pranks, such as convincing her students and her own children that a computer app could emit the smell of flowers and fruits from the screen, bringing joy and laughter into their lives.

She married JR Sears in Hemet California at the age of 19. Sheila was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie and cousin. Sheila’s memory is cherished by her loving husband, JR Sears; her son, Scott Sears; her daughter, Madison Sears; and her dogs, Scarlett, Chloe, and Luna. She is survived by her mother, Janet Prenger; her father, Dean Prenger; and her brothers, Nick Thacker and Travis Prenger. Sheila loved her family who will miss her immensely.

A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held on September 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

Location: 29520 Watson Road, Menifee, CA 92585

Her legacy of love, laughter, and education will live on through the many lives she touched.