Sheila Rae Housler-Grady departed this life on November 4, 2022.  She was born on August 9, 1941, in Antioch Township, Michigan.  She was the daughter of Earl Jay Housler and Bertha Doretta Meyer.  Sheila moved to Woodstock, Illinois, as a teenager.  She married Gerald Grady on February 18, 1984. He preceded her in death.  Sheila was a member of Centennial Multicultural United Methodist Church.

Education:

Sheila graduated from Woodstock High School in 1959. She received her Bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology from Greenville College in 1963. She earned a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Michigan State University in 1967: and her Independent Study in Clinical Mental Health Care Management  from the University of Minnesota in 1980. She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 1991. She was also a long time member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Career

Sheila had a long and successful career in mental health and social services. During her career, Sheila held clinical social worker and clinical supervisor positions.  She was employed by the following agencies:  Restore Counseling and Recovery in Rockford, IL; New Horizons Counseling Center in Freeport, IL; Janet Wattles Mental Health Center in Rockford, IL ; Jane Adams Mental Health Center in Freeport, IL;  Sinnisippi Centers Inc. in Dixon, IL; Comprehensive Care Corp. in Saint Louis, MO.  Sheila also worked in the addiction unit of Highland Hospital in Belvidere, IL.

Sheila was an avid reader and very well informed of current affairs. She was politically astute and very socially active. She gave generously to charitable causes. Sheila enjoyed sailing, and she and her late husband, Gerald, often entertained friends on their sailboat. Sheila and Gerald enjoyed watching Formula 1 Racing. Sheila also enjoyed driving fast in her little sports cars, and her good friend, Barry, made it possible for Sheila to experience comforting rides and beautiful sceneries even until her last days.

Sheila leaves many people who loved and cherished her, including her sister-in-law, Tanya Wright;  step- daughter,  Shostocka Matlock; special friends, Virginia (Parnell) Thomas; Barry Klung; Marsha Shaw; Ralph (Regina) Hill; Barbara Kadamian; Marsha Keough; Judy Bowers; and beloved caretaker, Odilia Mata. Sheila derived much pleasure and comfort from her constant companion dog, Lacy.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 14, 2022, at Ponds Funeral Home, 200 N. Johnston Ave,  Rockford, IL 61101. Visitation will be held at Ponds, 10:00 AM until the time of the  service.

The family and friends give special thanks and recognition to Northern Illinois Hospice for their supportive services and dedication to Sheila.