Sheila Ziegler Brittain
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Sheila C. Brittain peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Sheila was born on December 15th, 1939 to Benjamin and Minnie Friedman Ziegler in Brooklyn, NY. As a teenager she moved with her parents and brother to Syracuse and remained here for the rest of her life.
Sheila founded and operated Creative Environment Day School in Fayetteville, NY since 1966 and it remains one of the longest operating nursery schools in the state of New York.
Sheila made sure that every family that came through the doors was greeted with open
arms and a smile. She acted as a consultant for many other local educational programs
that looked to her for advice on operating and navigating the difficult field of childcare.
To those that didn’t know her she may have seemed tough and very direct but
to those that knew her; knew that she had a heart of gold.
She gave not only generously, but quietly to those in need; especially throughout the Village of Fayetteville. She sponsored “at risk” children at her summer camp, giving those children an amazing experience that they would never forget.
Her giving was done spontaneously, significantly and always accomplished very quietly without drawing attention to her generosity. Even the families “sponsored” didn’t know who or where it came from.
The passion and devotion she had for her school and the families that attended it was unprecedented. It was always the safety, welfare, and education of the children that was the driving force of her life. The only thing in this world she valued more than her school was her family.
Her family includes her children Ellen Karkowski, and Michael (Barb) Berger
and her beloved grandchildren Ashley Karkowski, Jordan (Laura Cardoso) Berger,
Chad Karkowski, and Mitchell Berger. They were her pride and joy. Her only great-grandchild Ari did not get to meet her but she certainly knew who he was.
Sheila was predeceased by her parents Benjamin and Minnie Ziegler and her brother Larry Ziegler.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and time to be announced for
those who wish to pay their respects to Sheila and her family
.
A memorial scholarship fund for a student pursuing an education in early childhood education will be established in Sheila’s name.
The service will be live streamed beginning at noon on Sunday, December 27 on the Sisskind Funeral Service Facebook Page.
Message of Sympathy
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I’m saddened to learn of the death of Sheila. Her obituary speaks to Sheila’s love of children and her kindness which really says it all. She and I became friends while both working with children in the 80’s. It didn’t take long to realize that Sheila was a champion for children. She will be missed by many who looked to her for guidance in the field of childcare.
Written by Brenda Evers
2020-12-24 8:18:38 PM
A truly lovely service for a very special person. You will be missed by so many. RIP Sheila.
Written by Donna Goyette
2020-12-27 9:40:18 PM
In 1970, Shiela came into my life. As a 4 year old who was born in September, I needed to attend preschool in order to be able to start school early. I was a shy kid, and Shiela wasn't like anyone that I had met before. She took me in, and treated me as her own. Between Shiela and Larry the Llama, I opened up and was ready to start school at 4 years old. Who knew llamas liked M&M's? I never forgot her, and she never forgot me. 25 years later, my daughter attended CE's after school program. You are missed my friend, and I will see you on the other side. My most sincere condolences to her family.
Written by Bernie Moore
2021-08-18 6:58:56 AM
Post a Message of Sympathy
I’m saddened to learn of the death of Sheila. Her obituary speaks to Sheila’s love of children and her kindness which really says it all. She and I became friends while both working with children in the 80’s. It didn’t take long to realize that Sheila was a champion for children. She will be missed by many who looked to her for guidance in the field of childcare.
Written by Brenda Evers
2020-12-24 8:18:38 PM
A truly lovely service for a very special person. You will be missed by so many. RIP Sheila.
Written by Donna Goyette
2020-12-27 9:40:18 PM
In 1970, Shiela came into my life. As a 4 year old who was born in September, I needed to attend preschool in order to be able to start school early. I was a shy kid, and Shiela wasn't like anyone that I had met before. She took me in, and treated me as her own. Between Shiela and Larry the Llama, I opened up and was ready to start school at 4 years old. Who knew llamas liked M&M's? I never forgot her, and she never forgot me. 25 years later, my daughter attended CE's after school program. You are missed my friend, and I will see you on the other side. My most sincere condolences to her family.
Written by Bernie Moore
2021-08-18 6:58:56 AM