Virginia Beach – Mrs. Sheila Ann (Toohey) Stapanowich, 83, passed away on August 14, 2017 at home surrounded by her family.  She was born Sept. 3rd, 1933 in Lowell, MA and was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Sullivan) Toohey.  She graduated from Lowell High School in 1952. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Frank Stapanowich.

Sheila received her LPN degree from Tewksbury Hospital School of Nursing and earned the Employee of the Year Award at Beth Shalom Home of Eastern Virginia in 1983.  Sheila received her Clown Certificate from Old Dominion University. “Zelda the Clown” was loved by young and old alike during her visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and area schools.  She shifted gears in 1988 to join husband Frank as owners of King’s Grant Auto Center.

Sheila is survived by her husband Frank Stapanowich, sister Kathleen Davis (Richard); brothers Daniel Toohey, and Peter Toohey (Pat); many loving nieces and nephews; three children, Frank Stapanowich Jr. (Carol) of VA Beach, VA; Caryn Sullivan (Ken) of VA Beach, VA; and Peter Stapanowich (Ann) of Asheville, NC; her grandchildren, Bryan Sullivan, Jon Sullivan (Alethea), Brandon Stapanowich, Andrew Stapanowich (Kristin), Nick Stapanowich, Bethany Stapanowich, and Matthew Stapanowich.

God blessed us with this amazing woman.  A proud patriot who adored her family and friends, Sheila fought the good fight with faith, grace, and God’s love.

A celebration Mass will be held Saturday, Sept. 2nd at Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Rd, VA Beach, VA at 1:00 pm.  Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium.

Donations in Sheila’s honor may be made to Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater, P.O. Box 12693, Norfolk, VA  23541.