Theresa Sheldon
January 23, 1943 ~ October 29, 2020
Theresa (Terry) A. Sheldon of Las Cruces, New Mexico (and formerly of Geneva, Ohio) died on October 29, 2020. She was 77. Terry is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert C. Sheldon, brother, Donald Beverage (Francie) of Frederick, Maryland, daughter Julie K. McElroy (Seth) of Bel Air, Maryland, son R. Chris Sheldon of Denver, Colorado, daughter Stephanie Sheldon-Nevarez (Thomas) of Portland, Oregon, granddaughters Karson and Kate and her often disgruntled, furry companion, Little Kitty. She was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Veronica Beverage of Severna Park, Maryland, and two brothers, Peter and Steven Beverage.
Terry was born in Buffalo, New York, and was a graduate of Kenmore West High School and Rosary Hill College in Buffalo. A few years after meeting on a blind date, Terry married Rob in Severna Park, MD. The couple soon moved to Geneva, Ohio to raise a family and pursue their careers. A devoted mother of three, Terry encouraged her children to follow their own paths even when they diverged from her own. Though each of her kids claimed to be her favorite, she never faltered from insisting she loved them all equally, further solidifying her place in their minds as Best Mom Ever.
Terry loved her work as a registered Medical Technologist. She was well-respected at University Hospital Geneva where she was employed for over 25 years and left there with many lifelong friends. She and Rob retired to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 2013 in search of warmer winters and they returned to Ohio every summer to enjoy their beloved family cottage on Lake Erie.
Her Catholic faith was integral to who Terry was and she was an active member of Assumption Church in Geneva where she served as a Eucharistic minister and member of the St Vincent de Paul Society. She also led a bereavement group and served on the Board of Directors of Ashtabula County Catholic Charities. After moving to New Mexico, she quickly settled in as a member of St. Albert the Great Newman Parish in Las Cruces.
While content on her own, Terry will be remembered as someone who flourished when she was with other people. Her social calendar was full as a member of the Geneva Women’s Club, Modern Literary Society and P.E.O. International. She was an avid swimmer at the YMCA, a trail hiker in the hills of Las Cruces and part of more than a few sewing and knitting circles over the years. She was happy to tell anyone that she was 40 years sober and even happier when that sobriety ended two months prior to her passing when she once again could enjoy her favorite cocktail, the Manhattan.
A funeral mass will be held at Assumption Church, Geneva, 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2020. Burial will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in Ashtabula. Guests are required to follow current pandemic guidelines, wear masks and practice social distancing. The family hopes a party in celebration of Terry’s life will be possible in the summer of 2021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve PO Box 72101, Cleveland, Ohio 44192 or P.E.O. International.
Behm Family Funeral Home of Geneva is assisting the family. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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Dearest Rob and family, There is no one else like Terri. She made my heart so full of love and laughter for so many years. A friend, a listener and a partner in mischief, never crime. I will miss her so much. Rest in peace. Jane is waiting.
What a lovely photo of our beloved Terry. I knew Terry as a active member of our P.E.O. chapter BV in Las Cruces, NM. A special lady that will greatly missed, I so enjoyed her. My sincere condolences to all her family. Mary Brooks Las Cruces, NM
The true tribute to terry is the love of her family.
I want to send my condolences to the family. It is hard to find the words to express my sympathy. I do have many wonderful memories of Terry. I had her daughter Julie as a student when I taught Spanish at Geneva High School. I also was a swimmer at the YMCA and Terry helped me through a very difficult time in my life. She and others would get together for breakfast after swimming. That group was such a support for me. My husband and I moved to Texas in 1989, but I still kept in touch with Terry. I always made sure to see her when I came up to Ohio. She is one of the most caring, loving people that I know. Heaven has truly gained a most beautiful angel. Love, Lynne Toth
Worked with Terry for many years of MHG.She was always friendly and helpful.She will be missed. So sorry for your loss. God Bless,Maryellen Campbell
Terry led the bereavement group my sister and I attended some time ago. She was a giving and loving person who brought us much healing during our difficult times. Wonderful picture of her. RIP Terry.
Terry was a vibrant member of our knitting group. She was always open to a new challenge. And she and I took several challenging classes together. She will be sorely missed. Susan Armstrong Las Cruces, NM
In memory of Theresa Sheldon, Anthony Mahung & family lit a candle
Terry and her husband were very friendly to us during our winters in Las Cruces, NM. Terry liked to go to the monthly artist event in downtown; one Friday night we met in a gallery where my work was part of the annual exhibit by the local group, Southwest Calligraphy Guild. When she saw one of my pieces she asked if she could buy it for their Michigan cottage. I was very pleased. The calligraphy piece showed a dock on a lake and it said “The answer may not be at the beach but you should check.” I will always remember her delight in purchasing my art. I am sorry she's departed this earth but know her spirit is shining on all of us from their spot on the lake.
Rob and family, My deepest condolences. You are in my thoughts.
Many years ago, I met Terry at a La Leche League meeting, a gathering of mothers who were supportive of one another as they enjoyed the many benefits of nursing their babies. Terry helped me and other moms a lot because she was the kind of person who inspired confidence and liked helping others. We became friends and after I gained some experience, we worked together to spread the League’s philosophy of good mothering through breastfeeding and to share the joy of mothering with others. Our strong attachment to our own children naturally led us to have a very protective attitude towards all babies, both born and pre-born, so we became active in the pro-life movement, working on many projects together. As our children grew up, the needs of our families took us along other paths, but I will never forget those years when the foundation of our children’s experience of life and love unfolded in our arms. I will always remember with gratitude Terry as being right there ready to re-enforce every mother’s good instincts. Dear family of Terry, I am sorry that I am unable to attend her funeral Mass, but I will pray with the Church that choirs of holy angels come to lead Terry into paradise and the martyrs and saints welcome her home, that she may know the peace and joy of paradise and enter into everlasting rest. With sympathy and prayers, Kay Balash, godmother of Stephanie
Let's keep dancing… let's break out the booze and have a ball. Were singing so much love in Terry's name. Hugs from across the miles…
Lovingly lighting a candle for your family and for Theresa. Sending many warm thoughts to you, and wishing you abundance and peace.