Lorraine Louise Sheeler

Lorraine Louise (Babineau) Sheeler, 87, of Oxford, entered eternal life on December 31, 2024, at Griffin Hospital, just two days before her 65th wedding anniversary to Donald Sheeler.  Lorraine was born in Derby on September 4, 1937, beloved daughter of the late Oscar and Elizabeth (Arsenault) Babineau. She met the man of her dreams at the young age of fifteen while she was learning to dive at Legion Pool, and he was throwing horseshoes. The diving didn't work out, but the relationship was the start of seventy-three blessed years with the love of her life. She attended the St. Vincent's School of Nursing in Bridgeport and earned her LPN diploma.  She continued her education and earned a BSN from Central CT State University.  She worked at Griffin Hospital and had a special calling for psychiatric nursing.  Lorraine lived a life of gratitude, always maintaining a positive outlook and encouraging her family to look for the good in everyone and every situation.  Always game for a new adventure, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and family to Lake George; Disney and Virginia Beach as well as to explore Italy; Paris and Germany. She also enjoyed cruising, with her favorite being Alaska. Lorraine enjoyed spending the cold winter months with her husband Don at their second home in Florida. Lorraine loved dancing with her husband, particularly ballroom, polkas, and square dancing. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed clothing for her children. She helped her close neighbor Rosie with dresses for African relief and was able to mend almost anything.  She would knit hats for the homeless or anyone she thought could use one. Lorraine was also a volunteer with The American Red Cross for many years. She also spent some time as a Travel Agent early on while still working in Nursing.  Most especially she devoted her life to the care, nurturing, and happiness of her loving family.  She will be greatly missed at the "Sheeler Sundays" gatherings she initiated and maintained throughout her life to keep her beloved family close and connected to each other.

In addition to her beloved husband, Donald, she is survived by her sons, Russell (Lynda) of Thomaston, James (Gail) of TX, and Paul (Kimberly) of Waterbury; daughter Ellen (Paul Nixon) of Oxford; and sister, Mary Martin of Beacon Falls.  She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Melissa Sheeler (Christopher Vitorino), Christopher Sheeler (Kristin), Gavin Nixon, and Aidan Nixon; and great granddaughter, Mila Vitorino as well as another blessing on the way.  Lorraine was pre-deceased by her brother-in-law, James Martin.

Funeral Services have been entrusted into the care of the Anthony V. Chepulis Funeral Home 47 Washington Ave. Seymour.   Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday January 16th at 11:00am DIRECTLY at the Church of the Good Shepherd of St. Nicholas Parish, 135 Mountain Rd. Seymour.  To leave an on-line condolence please visit: www.chepulisfuneralhome.com