Sheila Ann Denon Stross

Loudonville, NY-We mourn the death and celebrate the 84-year life of Sheila Ann Denon Stross who passed peacefully at Sr. Peter’s hospital on December 20, 2024 with her family at her side. Sheila was born on February 25, 1940, in Boston Massachusetts to the late Edward J. Denon and Margaret Theresa Quinn Denon. While in high school, Sheila pursued her love of dance by teaching ballet class and working at Radio City Music Hall. This enabled Sheila to pay her way through college where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After graduating from Regis college, Sheila worked for the NSA in Washington, DC as a computer programmer. A few years later, she met her future husband, Raymond G. Stross Jr. They were married a year later in Hingham, MA on November 21, 1964. In 1967 Sheila and Ray, with their first child in tow, settled in Loudonville, New York, where they raised their three children. After being a devoted mother for several years, Sheila returned to work for the Department of Mental Health, first as a computer programmer, then a systems analyst, and finally as project manager. Although very successful in her career, Sheila’s proudest achievement was being a mom. Over the course of their nearly 57-year marriage, Sheila and Ray travelled thousands of miles, first with their children and later with each other. Their travels took them across the US and across the Atlantic. In addition to traveling, they enjoyed theater, opera, museums, and opening their home to friends and family. Sheila was very creative. She made clothing and Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren, and curtains for her windows. She enjoyed chronicling life events and travels with scrapbooks. Many of her family and friends were the recipients of scrapbooks or photobooks. Sheila’s faith in God was evident in both her response to grief and genuine care for people. After the death of her 18-year-old son, she worked with Literacy Volunteers of America and tutored a young man each week, helping him to earn his GED. He reached out to her decades later, sharing with her the impact she had made on his life. Besides her family, Sheila treasured her friendships – those that had existed for decades, and the ones formed most recently. She took a genuine interest in getting to know people and letting them know her. She realized how blessed she was to call such remarkable individuals, “friends”. Sheila is survived by her daughters Margaret E (Anthony) Thomas and Melissa A Stross; predeceased by son Adam Blair; Loving Grandmother of Elizabeth Rose and Evan Anthony Thomas. Predeceased by her sisters, the late June Buckley (late Bill), Denise Collins (John) and brother Edward Denon Jr. Sheila is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and adoring grand pups Kirby and Toby. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, N.Y. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Shriners Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.mcveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Sheila Ann Denon Stross

February 25, 1940 - December 20, 2024