Obituary of Sheila Jeanne Attleson

Sheila Jeanne Attleson, 46, of Cortland, passed away unexpectedly March 29, 2011. She was born October 4, 1964 in Cortland, daughter of Eugene and Sandra Ford Attleson. Sheila was a lifelong resident of Cortland graduating with honors from Cortland High School in 1982. After high school, Sheila attended SUNY Plattsburg receiving a B.S. in nursing, then attended Binghamton University where she received a Masters Degree in Nursing with a Specialty in Geriatrics in 1995. She then became Board certified as a Nurse Practitioner and worked at Kendal at Ithaca since 1995. Sheila was a member of the New York Nurses Association and was awarded Nurse of Distinction in 1989. Her hobbies included world travel and being a member of the Cortland Skating Club. She enjoyed music, attending concerts, and the fine arts. Sheila will be remembered as a thoughtful and caring person who tried to make the world a better place. She is survived by her mother Sandra Attleson of Cortland, her brother Eric (Anastasia) Attleson of Binghamton, her niece Alexa, her nephew (Eric) Rick, longtime friend Brian Owens of Cortland, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and her dog Hannah. Sheila was predeceased by her father Gene Attleson in 2002. Calling hours will be Friday 4-7 pm and Saturday 1-1:45 pm with a funeral to begin Saturday 2 pm at Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., Cortland NY. Burial will be at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Cardiopulmonary I.C.U./Step Down Fund, 750 East Adams Street, CAB Room 326, Syracuse NY, 13210. To offer condolences online or for directions visit www.wright-beard.com To the Attlesons: My deepest sympathy on the loss of your sister and daughter. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Beth Madden I remember Sheila as being top student in my classes and a fine young lady. I am saddened by her passing. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. Jim Ochsner Fort Myers FL We from the Cortland NP/PA Coalitation offer our condolence to the family at this time. We will miss her dearly as you will. She was an asset to her field and served others with a genuine gift for caring. We are so sorry for your loss. Nita Stormann, NP Mrs. Attleson and Eric, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sheila was truly a lovely human being and I have fond memories of her from Cortland High School - marching band, band, All State Band, musicals, choir, and more - as well as early memories of her in your house when I would go there weekly from drum lessons with Mr. Attleson as an elementary school student. She lived an exemplary life of helping people and the world will be a slightly lesser place without her. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Chance Briggs Maputo, Mozambique I shared many musical activities with Sheila in high school. She was a great person, enthusiastic and caring. I offer my sincere condolences to the Attleson family Peter Silberman Our family is thinking and praying for you and your family. Love, The Sweeney Family Mrs. Attleson and Eric - My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Back in high school, Sheila was always kind and caring. There was never a day that she didn't have a smile. A few years after graduation she even cared for me when I was in the hospital dealing with a very dangerous condition. As a nurse she gave me comfort and confidence. Please know that I am thinking of you. ~Sharon Brownell Redfield, Fredonia, NY Dear Attleson's, Please accept my sincere condolences with the loss of Sheila. I can understand why she was so good at her profession. She was such a nice person and very empathetic. She will be missed. Kate Biemer Mendillo & Family We were stunned to hear about Sheila's passing. What a terrible loss to all who knew her. Our prayers go to you and your family during this time of terrible loss. June and Bob Silbermanan Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sheila's family and friends. We were shocked and saddened to read of her passing. We remember her fondly from our few years at Kendal. May she rest in peace. Cristin & Todd Baker Sheila was a bright light in a gray world, even when we were in junior high, a time when nothing looks particularly bright and beautiful. We were out of touch for many years but knowing that light has left the world grieves me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Teresa Roberts I remember Sheila for her kindness & her sweet smile. Terri Semeraro Woodford So very sorry to hear of Sheila's passing. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you. Sincerely, Beth Planck Gray Sandy and Eric I am so very very sorry. Linda Russell Mrs. Attleson, I am so sorry to hear of Sheila's passing. A bright. beautiful lady who had nothing but kindness in her heart. My prayers are with you and Eric at this time. Sincerely. Tracey Speicher Sandy i'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. you are in my thoughts and in my heart. myra cree Sandra, I am so saddened to learn that Sheila has died. She always made me feel welcomed, and we appreciated so much when you and she visited Aleta in the hospital in December. We are so glad we had a chance to see and visit with her then. Thinking of you, Diane Tessaglia-Hymes My thoughts and prayers are going out to all of you. I have some great memories of our years together in school, including a trip to Boston with the jazz band (we were the only girls on the trip!) I am so sorry for your loss; Sheila was a very special person! We are VERY sorry for your lose. LIFE is sometimes unfair. We hold you in our prayers. Al and Mary fabrizio To the Attleson Family, Please accept my sincere condolences regarding your loss. I knew Sheila in high school, she was always so nice and had such great talent as a musician. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts are with all of you at this very difficult time. Sincerely, Terry (Patrick) Mingle - CHS '83 Dear Attleson family: I could hardly believe to see Sheila's name in the paper. We were penpals in 6th grade and went to nursing school together in Plattsburgh. I moved away and haven't seen Sheila since 1986. Mrs. Attleson, so sorry to hear that you have lost 2 members of your immeadiate family. I remember you were the nurse and your husband was the band director. I will always remember sheila. She is in my scrapbook. Jennie Fox Ide Dallas PA formarlly of Cincinnatus, NY So Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jacque DeRushia Buddenhagen I'm so sorry to learn of Sheila's passing. She was indeed a sweet, kind person. I pray the Lord will sustain you during this painful time. Marilyn White Saporito The disbelief of her death is fresh. Remembering the radiance of her smile, that will always be bright in my mind, cannot be dimmed by death. We were collegues at Kendal Heath Related, and she was always competant, conscientious, and caring. She leaves a void that will not be easily filled, and the Fridaya hospital conferences will seem emptier witihout her intent, eager- to-learn presence. Jud Kilgore Jud Kilgore filled Dear Mrs. Attleson (Sandy) and Eric, I just happened to see that you lost your precious daughter/sister and wanted to add my condolences. My dealings with Sheila (& Eric) were as children,when I was in your home for music lessons. I was long gone when they came of age. BUT, I'm very impressed with Sheila's bio. Sounds like she not only followed in Mom's footsteps, as a nurse, but paved a way that helped many people during her lifetime. You must be very proud of all she accomplished in her short life - you should be! Again, please accept me heartfelt sympathy at the loss of Sheila. Sindy Scales Biggs We were shocked and saddened to hear of Sheila's passing. It was our pleasure to know her when she skated with the Cortland Figure Skating Club. Our condolences to your family. Kathy & Mark Tanis Sandy and Family: So sorry to read of the loss of your daughter. My husband and I have been through the same loss almost 17 years ago. It was our son not daughter but the loss is still the same. People will tell you that in time things get better. I'm not sure "better" is the right word, maybe easier is the word. It's been 17 years for us and the grief changes but it is still there. If thre is anything I can do, please give me a call. With love and prayers, Dereck and Judie(Upham) Wilson I am so sorry to hear of Sheila's passing. Although I hadn't spoken to her since high school, Sheila was one of the friends from long ago, that I remember with fondness. She will be missed. Laura Snyder Pulaski I am very sorry for your loss, I have wonderful childhood memories of Shelia. She was so kind and sweet and a wonderful person. I am praying for you all. Kit Russell Michel Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If I can do anything please call or email anytime. Sheila Trafton (LaFave) To Mrs Attleson and her son Eric... I was Sheila's roommate for 2 years at SUNY Plattsburgh. I graduated a year after her in the nursing program. Sheila was a bright light in my life at the time- always encouraging always accepting. A dedicated friend and student we were a group of 3- myself Laura Hanjoglu, Christina Gamper and Sheila. I think Sheila had a lot of do with my staying in the nursing program. She was never afraid to be herself. She was truly an example to others by her dedication and strength. I knew she had had health problems in her past and I am very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of visitting your home Mrs Attleson and meeting Sheila's grandma one summer. I last saw her in 1990 - the summer before I moved to Maryland permanently. She had not changed. I will remember her enthusiasm and positive love of life. She has left a wonderful legacy from what I have read. I only hope that this helps to console you a little in your tremendous loss.Sincerely, Alicia Kavey Oro( formerly of Tupper Lake, N.Y. and now of Columbia, MD) I learned today of the passing of my good fiend Sheila. I remember her as a caring, loving woman. She touched many lives in her short life. My deepest sympathy Laura Hanjoglu-Goerke SUNY Plattsburgh class of 1986 I'm so sorry to hear about Sheila, she was truly a kind hearted person and a great inspiration to me, our prayers are with you and to the family. Jeff Vanderslice - Dear Mrs. Attleson and Eric, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Sheila!! She was too young to be gone so quickly! My Mom used to talk about Eric and Sheila all the time while she was their Nanny...even afterwards as they were in High School, she would tell me what she read in the paper about them!! She loved both of them so much. Please know that I will be praying for you. I trust God to strengthen and sustain you both. With much sympathy, Pami Meddaugh Gregoio, Louise's daughter