Sheila Pasch

When reflecting on the life of Sheila Pasch, it is easy to see that she was never concerned with building wealth or gaining material possessions, rather, she simply focused her time on loving those around her. Whether she was cooking for an Army, working on the family farm, or serving within her church community she was selfless in everything she did. Sheila was blessed to live the majority of her days alongside her true love with whom she witnessed her family tree blossom to include the loved ones she treasured. Life will never be the same without her here, but the lives of countless others will be forever changed because of her touch.

The landscape of our nation was forever changed with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, during the days of WWII. The following day President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of that day as a “date that will live in infamy” and engaged in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms that we still enjoy today. As countless young servicemen and women were sent overseas, those who remained stateside dealt with rationing on common goods, industries that were converted to support the war effort, and the never-ending wait for news from the front lines. It was within this eventful time that a young couple from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their own lives as they celebrated the birth of their healthy baby girl on April 1, 1943. Sheila was the oldest of three children born to her parents, Francis and Lylah (Cook) Mead, and was raised in the family home alongside her younger brothers, Delbert and Robert.

For the most part Sheila experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of her generation. Her father worked as an oil and water well driller while her mother focused her attention on being a wife, mother, and homemaker. Sheila was a student at local schools, graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1961. In addition to holding down her studies as a high school student, she worked at a local drug store and also for the White Wagon restaurant in Rosebush.

New and exciting changes were in store for Sheila when she met the young man with whom she would write a love story that would span more than 51 years. His name was Glenn Pasch, and they met at Chris's Drive-In in Mt. Pleasant, which was the site of the old Sweet Onion Restaurant. Sparks flew right from the start, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Glenn and Sheila became husband and wife on August 11, 1962, at St. Philomena Church in Beal City.

Nothing could have been better for Sheila than becoming a mother. Together she and Glenn were blessed to welcome five children into their hearts and home: Shelly, Rose, Tim, Becky, and Suzy. Raising five children is anything but easy, especially when they all have personalities like their parents! As their children got older and had families of their own, Sheila was thrilled to become a grandmother. She loved having everyone around and holiday gatherings were always held at her home. Christmas Eve was a special celebration that everyone always looked forward to. Sheila’s skills in the kitchen were fantastic, and she always cooked enough to feed a small army. Her children will forever hear her saying one of her favorite phrases, “Dinner is at 6:00!” In everything they did Sheila was her children’s biggest supporter, and it has been said that she had the patience of a saint. Sheila was the best listener, and because she was filled with timeless wisdom she always gave the best advice as well. No matter what was going on, she seemed to know exactly what to do in any situation.

Although caring for her family was first and foremost in Sheila’s life, her journey was enriched in other ways, too. She was primarily a homemaker, but she and her husband owned and operated Western Auto in Weidman for 23 years. Sheila also spent nine years catering weddings and events with her good friends, Harold and Peggy Reihl. She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish for 34 years in addition to being a member of the card club and the coffee club with girl friends. Sheila looked forward to the Wheatland Festival every year. Vacations to Jamaica and Canada were among some of the moments she treasured most, and there was nothing like camping in the green school bus. Sheila also enjoyed reading to unwind.

All who knew Sheila Pasch would say that her cooking skills were unmatched and that no one ever left her house hungry. She was generous and selfless - the sort of person who was always there for her family and friends. Sheila considered it such a privilege to celebrate 25, and then later 50 years of marriage with her true love, and together they exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be. She cherished her role as a mother, but she just may have argued that being a grandmother was her sweetest reward. Positive, loving, and crazy with the best sense of humor to boot, Sheila was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Sheila Pasch, age 70, passed away Monday, January 20, 2014, at Woodland Hospice.

Sheila leaves behind her husband, Glenn; five children, Shelly (Micheal) Martin of Rosebush, Rose (Jim) Shufelt of Shepherd, Tim (Terri) Pasch of Beal City, Rebecca Pasch (Rodney Roosa) of Weidman and Suzanne (Roger) Donaldson of Clare; eight grandchildren, Kayla, Ashley and Justin Shufelt, Hunter Pasch, Colby and Jack Roosa, and Colin and Silas Donaldson; two brothers, Delbert (Darlene) Mead of Mt. Pleasant and Robert (Linda) Mead of Beal City; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass for Sheila will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 24, at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City with Father Ricky Varner presiding. The family will receive friends in the gathering room of the church on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation continues on Friday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice. To learn more about Sheila's life, or to sign the online guest book please visit www.luxfamilyfuneralhome.com