Sheila Ann Bennett's Obituary
Sheila Ann Bennett
September 19, 1952–January 24, 2025.
Sheila Ann (Marsden) Bennett passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the age of 72 from complications related to epilepsy, which she had developed following a brain surgery in 2022.
Sheila was born to Winifred and Stanley Marsden on September 19, 1952 in Berkeley, California. Her parents, both first-generation British immigrants, moved the family up to Lakewood, Washington when Sheila was only two years old, where Sheila lived for the rest of her life. Growing up in Lakewood, Sheila and her younger sister Melena were competitive figure skaters at the Lakewood Ice Arena. She was a cheerleader and member of the class of 1970 at Clover Park High School. After high school she attended Washington State University and was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She graduated in 1974 with a bachelor of science degree in physical education.
Sheila married David Bennett of Newport, Oregon in November of 1974 and the two celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year. They built their home in Lakewood in 1984 where they lived and raised their family for more than forty years.
A lifelong educator, Sheila taught physical education, health, and coaching gymnastics and track in the Olympia, Clover Park, and Franklin Pierce school districts. She retired from teaching in 2013 but continued as a substitute for many years afterward. Sheila was famous for running into past students and colleagues everywhere she went, no matter how far from home. When her first two children were young, Sheila took time off from teaching to be an aerobics instructor. Sheila was always physically active throughout her life. In her younger years, she was an avid runner, competing in many races including the Sound to Narrows and the Emerald City and Capitol City marathons. Later in life she enjoyed walking, especially at Fort Steilacoom Park and Chambers Bay, and bike riding on the nearby Foothills and Chehalis Western rail trails, where she regularly rode between 30 and 45 miles in one trip.
Her devout Christian faith was a centerpiece of Sheila’s life. Growing up in Lakewood, she attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. After marriage, she and Dave became members of Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood where she connected with many of her lifelong friends. Sheila loved music and played handbells at CLC as well as University Place Presbyterian Church. She was also a devoted attendee of Bible Study Fellowship and was a group leader for many years.
Sheila was a passionate volunteer and leader for many causes and organizations. She and Dave enjoyed theater and would often usher at Tacoma Actors Guild, Tacoma Little Theater, Lakewood Playhouse, and Tacoma Musical Playhouse.
Sheila was fortunate to travel internationally beginning at a young age with trips to England to see her relatives. The activities of her children (from sports to performing arts) often took her and the family all over the country. In their retirement, Sheila and Dave enjoyed many long road trips that took them around the United States. They also traveled internationally on many tours and cruises, including several trips to Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America. Sheila was blessed to spend time and travel with her mother, Wynn, who remained local and lived to the age of 101.
Sheila lived her life to the fullest. She was the life of the party and brought her energy, joy, and positivity to everyone she met. She touched the lives of so many people and was constantly thinking of others. Sheila leaves behind her husband Dave, sister Melena Marsden, stepfather Walt Bader, children Carissa Thomas (Mark), Brian, and Michael, and grandchildren Sierra and Bennett Thomas, and Brandon, Jaden, Peyton, and Addilyn Bennett.
Memorial gifts and donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood, WA. A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2pm.
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