Sheila Lou Shenkman

Sheila Shenkman departed this physical world on Friday, October 27, 2023, joining her parents Homer and Estelle Burgher, in eternal paradise. Sheila will be remembered as an authentic, original soul. She had a gift for storytelling, a caustic wit, endless imagination, unconventional views, unwavering honesty, and fierce love for her family. If she had a life motto, it would have been: Set your life on fire and seek those who fan your flames. Her proudest achievement was being a Mom and grandmother or “Gee” to 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Throughout her life she embraced the principles of unity, equality and the elimination of prejudice – even when those views were contrary to her church and her parents. She learned about the Bahá’í Faith in the 1970s and after soul-searching she became a Bahá’í.

Her life was not without struggles. When she and her husband divorced, she was left alone to care for and raise their five young children. Despite the hardships and obstacles, she went back to school and became a nurse, something she had always dreamed of doing. She was a natural caregiver and was drawn to geriatric medicine, most likely from living with and caring for her own grandparents.

She will be celebrated and remembered by her brother Homer Wayne Burgher; children Allen and Vivian Plymale, Beth and Jim Langley, Dan Shenkman, Chérie and Walter Wagner, Erik Plymale and Todd and Holly Plymale. Grandchildren: Haley and Matt Miller; Maris and Charlie Chaborek; Alonzo Hilario; Cyerra, London, and Cameron Brown; Adam and Xanthe Plymale; Stella and Jack Shenkman; Alexandra and Austin Lyons; Madeline Langley. Great grandchildren: Kaden, Jackson and Clark; and Leo.

Her children and grandchildren will endeavor to keep her stories and laughter alive for generations to come.

A Graveside service and Dessert Reception will be held Tuesday, October 31 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 21723 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, Texas 77338.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CalvaryHillFuneralHome.com for the Shenkman family.