Sheila Nieves

Our beloved Sheila Nieves, 80, passed away in the early hours of October 3rd at Bridgeport Hospital. She was the proud mom of Dawn Marie Nieves-Schmitz (mother-in-law to Daniel Schmitz) of Portland, Connecticut, and the proud Gram of Avery Daniel and Sadie Grace Schmitz. She was the most resilient person we knew—fiercely independent, a feisty spirit, a tiny powerhouse, and the strongest fighter who always lived life on her own terms. We can only hope to live with a fraction of the same determination, unbridled strength, and unconditional love that Sheila moved through the world with. She will be forever missed.

Sheila was born in the Bronx, New York, on November 18th, 1942 to Dorothy (Horowitz) and Isidore Finkelstein. She was predeceased by her beloved older sister, Lorraine Sedia. Sheila graduated from Walton High School in 1960, before completing additional nursing classes. She retired as a research editor and worked previously as a director of human resources.

Sheila dedicated herself to building a life for herself and her daughter, Dawn, whom she cherished unconditionally. The two of them faced all of the trials and tribulations together—as she raised Dawn all on her own. A courageous mother and her only child against the world. Sheila was well known for her love of ironing, cooking, sewing, and going to tag sales. Her contagious laugh and ability to light up a room were unparalleled. She died having fulfilled her wildest dreams, and we are left in awe of everything she was able to accomplish.

We will forever treasure the stories she shared, knowing that her legacy lives on through her daughter and grandchildren. As we grieve her death, we are deeply inspired by how she lived.

Friends may gather to remember Sheila on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield, Connecticut. A Mass will be celebrated in her honor at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11th, at St. Catherine of Siena, 220 Shelton Rd., Trumbull, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Health Care Advocates International and the Holocaust Museum.