With an unimaginable sense of loss, we grieve the passing of Sheila Anne Anderson on June 3, 2025. Surrounded by her children, Gabriel, David, Rachel and Hannah, husband Mike, priest and a few close friends, she peacefully and mercifully made her transition to heaven. Sheila made the decision to enter hospice care last Friday after a long battle with cancer and chose to be with her son, Ian, her parents and other loved ones who were no doubt waiting for her. Her faith in a merciful God and the eternity that awaits were her hope for relief from the disease that caused her so much pain.
Sheila was born in Denver on March 31, 1961, the fifth of eight children born to James Bayard and Arline Young. With lots of dedicated care from loving nuns, Sheila graduated from Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver. After spending a few post-grad years perfecting her art of pottery and ceramics, she met Mike Anderson through a Christian youth organization called Teens Encounter Christ.
They married in June 1982 and soon after moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Mike had accepted a construction management position. After three years, and two sons, they moved to Gunnison where they remained for almost 40 years together, raising five children of their own and giving love and protection to countless others who came into their world.
Sheila was a highly accomplished potter and mixed-media artist who produced distinctive and beautiful art, displayed in arts and craft fairs around the state. For over 20 years she supported the Gunnison Arts Center, serving as director of the clay center and board of directors while helping to cultivate the arts community in Gunnison.
On her own and through the Gunnison Community school, Sheila mentored countless young people into an appreciation of the arts. In her tiny studio, she would hold small classes for elementary kids, teaching them creative hand-built and wheel thrown clay techniques, always with the kind, yet firm, guidance of a mother.
In the fall of 1998, Sheila began her career at the Gunnison Elementary School as a teaching assistant, working with grades 2-5. Her influence was felt in reading and art groups, but her true vocation was gifting her well-practiced motherly love to all her students, especially those who were new to the school or struggling to fit in. She had a unique and beautiful ability to recognize and embrace the little ones who needed extra help in finding their way as they journeyed through her presence.
Sheila’s profound patience and understanding came from a deep place in her heart, reflecting her own experience in school. She challenged all the kids to expect and demand the very best in themselves while still making things fun — a principle she demonstrated perfectly when she joined the fourth-graders for a game of kickball during recess.
Finally, her faith was a thing to behold — a gift she valued and protected from her earliest years. She and our Lord had a long running conversation of which few were aware. She knew where her value came from and the destiny of her belief. For most of her time in Gunnison, she served her St. Peters Catholic Church parish family as if they were her own five little ones (six if you include her husband). The life and love she developed in faith was the gift she shared with everyone she met.
Her loss carries a pain so many know too well. In time, we will learn to breathe deeply and proceed with grace, but our grief will remain forever. Her family would like everyone to know that all the love and support shown to them has been a lifeline to making it through these difficult four months, beginning with the loss of our son, Ian. This has truly been a year we wish to never repeat.
Please know that we profoundly love and appreciate the kind words, friendship, flowers, visits and financial support everyone has given. We will work to honor our wife and mother by passing on her legacy of authentic kindness, deep compassion and genuine love for others, which remain as the lasting memory Sheila left with us. She valued her friends with all her heart and spoke of all of you until her last days. Blessings to all, the Anderson family.
Sheila’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Fred Field Center multi-purpose room at the fairgrounds, 11 a.m., with a reception to follow in the same building. A Catholic Rosary/Vigil Prayer Service will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at 7:00pm at St. Peter’s Catholic church. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of these services.
