Sheila Ann Heathcote

Sheila was born November 8, 1932, in the town of Shepherds Bush, England. Sheila was the daughter of the late Richard Sharrott Heathcote and Winifred Rebecca (Wright) Heathcote who at the time of her birth, resided at 41 Married Quarters, Royal Airforce, Uxbridge Middlesex, England. Sheila was raised in a family influenced by their fondness for music and dedication to the Air Force.

After WWII, the family moved to Blackpool, England, where Sheila attended school and met her life-long friend Pat (Campbell) Miller. Sheila attended the Blackpool Collegiate School for Girls. She received a music degree from the Royal College of London. Sheila obtained her teaching credentials and began instructing in May 1953 at Woodnook County Secondary School, where she taught Music and Religious Studies.

When she was sixteen years old, Sheila met the ‘love of her life’ David Haynes at Trinity Methodist Church in Blackpool, England. The two courted for five years and married on April 17, 1954, at Trinity Methodist. Following some difficult life choices, Sheila embarked on a new journey in the United States of America.

In August 1963, Sheila ventured to America accompanied by her mother Winifred, and daughter Susan. They embarked on a voyage on the S.S. America which took seven travel days across the Atlantic Ocean. Their sights were set on reuniting with Sheila's sister Irene Wright who resided in Cucamonga, California to begin a new chapter in their lives. The family arrived in New York City, New York, and beheld the spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty. Liberty was what Sheila was seeking.

Upon arrival to the US, Sheila sought alternate employment while getting her teaching credentials to teach in the US. She was employed in a laboratory as a clerk, at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, California. Once she obtained her teaching degree, she continued to work at the ‘lab’, on weekends and most holidays, until she was 80 years old. Sheila even conquered learning how to use the electronic health record system. She was up for the challenge, an attribute that defined who she was!

Sheila taught at Christ Episcopal Church School, grade 4, for several years. Her daughter also had the rare privilege of having her “mother” as her teacher. That was a dynamic relationship for sure!

Being a lifelong learner, Sheila obtained her Associate's Degree locally, and her Bachelor’s Degree in education from the University of Riverside. On May 6, 1978, Sheila graduated with honors with her Master’s Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. She was a devoted educator and taught students from kindergarten to university level. As an immigrant herself, she knew the struggles students had when culture and language were incompatible. Seeing the students struggle, Sheila furthered her education and obtained a certification as an English Second Language (ESL) instructor. She was passionate that all students had an environment conducive to learning. Sheila would often stay at the end of the school day with those having challenges to offer additional support. Her reward was their success.

Sheila retired from the San Bernardino City School District, where she was a leader in the Bilingual Education Department. During her tenure there, she traveled to Abu Dhabi and Shanghai to introduce methods for teaching English as a second language. For the State Department, she was a co-author of the Kindergarten Handbook for Beginning Writing. She also co-authored a book for High School students who were English second language learners, titled “Living, Learning, and Literature” which has been used in high schools across the country.

Sheila was a member of the world-renowned Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), an international professional society for women educators. She was a member of the society for 48 years. She was President of Theta Phi from the 1990-1992 biennium. She attended her last DKG meeting on Sunday, April 21st this year, and enjoyed the camaraderie and an extravagant English tea with all the trimmings.

Sheila was a brilliant pianist and loved singing. During her younger years in England, she received many awards and accolades in music. She was devoted throughout her life to the rescue of animals and enjoyed cats, dogs, and birds. Animals often were a ‘priority’ for Sheila, as we as ‘humans’ who knew her can attest to!

Sheila loved God and shared His gospel and truth at any given opportunity. She fellowshipped for many years at Christ Episcopal Church Parish, Ontario, CA, where she served as a board member.

What Sheila enjoyed most was spending time with family and the close loved ones she held dear to her heart. The gatherings were truly all-inclusive, with family members from all generations in attendance. Christmas in particular was a very special time for the family to include the traditional ‘English Crackers”, which ‘all’ were directed to wear those silly paper hats while enjoying the toy surprise inside each cracker!

Upon retirement, Sheila began to write poetry. She could string together a heartfelt poem to commemorate any moment whether the occasion was happy or sad. I would like to share a paragraph from one of these poems as I can imagine her saying these exact words to family and friends for comfort today.

She’s healed! She’s happy! All ails put to rest!

She knows she was pampered! She knows she was blessed!

The love that she gave was plain to see!

The way she greeted you and me!

Her love was given without measure!

Her life, for us, a valued treasure!

Written by Sheila June 16, 2022

Sheila is survived by her daughter Susan M. Haynes-Castro (Theodore Castro IV) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Grandchildren, Derrick D. Albright (Chasity) of Cedar City, UT, Shauna M. Gardner (Justin) of Yucaipa, CA, Scott E. Brady, (Natasha), of Pahrump, NV, Luke J.A. Andreozzi (Sarah) of Mineola, TX, Joshua J. Mosier (Adrianna) of Mackenbach, Germany, Michael Ingoglia of Redlands, CA and Dylan Castro, of Buda, TX. Twenty-five Great-Grandchildren, and Seventeen Great-Great-Grandchildren. Two nephews and their wives in England and two nieces, their husbands, and families in the USA. Along with multiple extended family members residing in England.

Sheila will return to Blackpool England, where she will be laid to rest alongside the ‘love of her life’ where the two will rest in peace.

Memorial services for Sheila Ann Heathcote will be held on her birthday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 am.

Christ Church Parish

1127 N. San Antonio Avenue

Ontario, CA 91762

Reception to follow the service at the church

Scripture from Sheila to us all!

"And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ" Ephesians 4:32