Obituary of Sheila M. Gurecki

Sheila Mae Sullivan Gurecki

Sheila Mae passed away February 16, 2025, at age 77 after several years of battling Alzheimer’s disease. Though Alzheimer’s gradually took away her memories and abilities, it never dulled the essence of who Sheila was. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. She was predeceased by her parents, James Sullivan and Norma Doell and her older brother and protector, John L. Sullivan.  She is survived by her supportive husband, Peter T. Gurecki; loving daughters, Marla and Tara; granddaughter, Natalie Haskins and grandson, Ethan Haskins; sister and best friend, Susie (John) Schneckenburger and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Sheila was born on July 16, 1947 in Rochester, NY, where she later attended and graduated from East Rochester High School in 1965.  Sheila and Peter met in their high school years and later married on October 7, 1967, and were happily married for 57 years.

She went on to work in banking for many years beginning at Marine Midland in Rochester followed by Southwestern Bank in Oklahoma City where she lived from 1971-1976. After moving back to NY with her husband, Pete, and daughter, Marla, she worked at Canandaigua National Bank in Farmington.  Sheila was extremely nurturing and had a passion for working with children. She left banking to pursue that passion which led her to Victor Central Schools, where she worked as an aide for children with special needs for 15 years. Sheila brought warmth, compassion and empathy to every student she had the privilege of encountering.

Sheila and Pete had a love for traveling to and visiting Old Forge and Ogunquit, Maine, and they looked forward with great joy every year to going.  Sheila loved all of nature's creatures and enjoyed the solitude and peace that was ever present there.

Sheila enjoyed music, singing, reading books to her grandchildren, sitting on her back deck in her swing while watching the birds and doing crossword puzzles.  Sheila loved to laugh and was always kind hearted to every soul she met.  She had an endearing quality that drew people in and allowed them to be vulnerable, honest and genuine. She enjoyed the simpler things in life which brought her immense happiness. Her home was filled with love and always a “sweet treat,” which could be found in various cabinets and dishes. There was no shortage of time spent rocking in her chair and having conversations about most anything.

Sheila was very generous with her time, thoughts, and mostly love. Her legacy will be one of perseverance and compassion, and while we mourn the loss, we also celebrate the incredible life she lived.  Her most important roles were those of being a mom and a “Grammy.”  She took the utmost pride in those roles and there was never a shortage of love for either.  In her final days, although Sheila could not access many words, she was able to say “I Love You” with ease to those closest to her.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you honor Sheila’s memory by “paying it forward,” with a thoughtful act of kindness to someone in need.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23 from 12-2 pm at Harloff Funeral Home, 803 S. Washington Street, East Rochester.