Community Activist and wife of Councilman Michael Nelson, sadly passed away at New York Community Hospital on December 10, 2008 of a blood infection after successfully fighting cancer for six years. The entire community joins husband Councilman Michael Nelson, daughter, Bonnie-Jill, son-in-law, David, and brother, Lawrence, in mourning the loss of Sheila, whose vibrant spirit will be long remembered.

Sheila Nelson’s life began in Brooklyn NY. She was born to parents who fled Poland & Russia during the holocaust. Sheila’s resolve & determination to help those less fortunate was awakened at an early age and became a guiding principle in her life. She lost her mother at the tender age of seventeen, and her father shortly thereafter. While raising her brother, she attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where she graduated with honors. She went on to excel in graduate school receiving a Master’s Degree in Education, and a second Master’s Degree in School Administration. She married Michael Nelson, her High School sweetheart, and was his greatest supporter. She was devoted to her daughter Bonnie-Jill, who often enjoyed community events with her.

Sheila worked tirelessly as an educator for over 34 years. She was a special education teacher, a Dean at Boody Junior High School, a Teacher Trainer, headed the Gifted Program in District 21, was Coordinator of the Sigma Program, and Director of Family College at Kingsborough. In the early 1980’s, Sheila was a pioneer in forming an alternative high school for youth at risk where she not only ran the educational program but also volunteered her time as a family mediator, and as a peer mediation trainer in local schools. Sheila’s fierce desire for positive change led her into the political arena where she worked for State Senator Donald Halperin. She was known to vigorously campaign for candidates in whom she strongly believed such as State Senator Carl Kruger, State Senator Marty Golden, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and of course her husband, NYC Council Member Michael C. Nelson. She was well-known for being a forthright and outspoken member of Community Board 15, where she also served on the Executive Committee.

Sheila was involved in many organizations such as Hadassah and The National Council of Jewish Women. She won dozens of awards for her numerous achievements and many contributions to the community, and was honored by the Highway Democrats in 2002 and by the Brighton Neighborhood Association in 2003 with the coveted “Woman of the Year” awards. She was just presented with an award earlier this month from the Manhattan Beach Neighborhood Association for her diligent and relentless efforts in helping to form and guide the organization. A long-time leader, child advocate, and activist on behalf of seniors and individuals with disabilities, Sheila was also a passionate animal lover who rescued strays; she was known as a staunch supporter of the North Shore Animal League for their “no kill” policy.

Those who knew Sheila best say that she intensely believed in friendship and loyalty over politics. “Sheila Nelson had a sense of loyalty and absolute commitment. She approached life and her community with vision and a sense of purpose. She made someone proud to be her friend. She will be sorely missed,” said Senator Carl Kruger. Close friend Pearl Siegelman related that when her husband became ill in the middle of the night, Sheila ran to the hospital and stayed all night. “She stayed with me while Ken was sick, and here she herself was ill. That’s the kind of woman Sheila was,” said Siegelman. She never turned her back on a person in need, and was known to “go the distance” to resolve tough situations for anyone less fortunate. Known for her altruism and compassion, and as a woman who could “move mountains”, a long-time dear friend, Debbie Miller, said she will never forget how Sheila came to her disabled parents’ aid when they nearly lost their homecare. “But for Sheila’s persistent efforts my parents would have been forced into a nursing home,” said Miller, recalling also, “the day my father died, it was Sheila, who came running to the hospital to comfort me; she then helped me make all of the arrangements. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

According to husband Councilman Michael Nelson, “if you needed help you would call Sheila — ‘the problem solver’ — and with brilliance and compassion she came up with solutions to help the person.” Michael related how he was often times amazed at her analytical abilities, stating “to be Sheila’s friend was to have a gift from heaven, to help you get through the difficult times in your life.” Nelson emphasized how lucky and proud he is to have had Sheila by his side, and that, “she will ALWAYS be there because she is an enduring force.” Sheila’s daughter, Bonnie-Jill, was known as being extremely close with her mother. “During each and every hospital stay, Bonnie-Jill never left her mom’s side,” said one source adding, “Sheila had to be one terrific mom to have earned such devotion.” Bonnie-Jill stated, “My mother has always been my mentor, teacher, confidante, my strength, the light in my life. She filled my entire life with laughter, unconditional love, creativity, dancing and fun. If she were not my mother, I still would have wanted her for my best friend. An amazing woman, who is matchless, one who has inspired me and so many others with her positive attitude – that’s my mother. She has touched so many people with her beauty, warmth, and sensitivity, and her existence has truly made this world a better place.”

The Nelson family had a small private chapel service on December 11, 2008, and are “sitting shiva” out of state.