Mrs. Sheila (Graham) Mineo Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

WHITESBORO - Mrs. Sheila (Graham) Mineo, age 70, went to heaven on Friday, June 15, 2018 when she passed away at Upstate Medical University after complications from surgery. Her family was by her side at the time of her unexpected passing. Born in Utica on November 7, 1947, Sheila was the daughter of Walter J. Graham and the late Mary Lou (Colwell) Graham. She attended St. Francis De Sales Grammar School and was a graduate of De Sales High School/Class of 1965. She continued her education at the St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing where she passed her Boards and earned her License as a Registered Nurse in 1968. In 2018, she celebrated 50 years in her nursing career. On May 16, 1970 she married Jack A. Mineo with whom she shared 48 wonderful years. Their relationship was based on a union of their hearts and minds and their ambition of being the best parents to their three sons. Sheila’s service to the healthcare field began at St. Elizabeth Hospital as a Post-Operative Medical/Surgical Nurse. She subsequently held nursing positions at St. Luke’s Hospital, substitute school nurse for several districts, and lastly and most prominent the Oneida County Health Department/Infectious Communicable Diseases. During these working years, Sheila paused to raise her family which was always her greatest priority. Her goodness and generosity touched all her loved ones, and her compassion and empathy extended to her patients in her profession. She was knowledgeable and competent in her medical duties. Her Catholic creed was strong and steadfast, and it created the foundation for how she lived her life. When her children were in school she was their advocate. Sheila’s greatest achievement was the blessing of her three boys who she adored. She was the driving force behind their accomplishments, and she had a sensitivity of heart that could soothe away their worries or problems. She wanted to protect them every day and often cautioned them to “be safe out there”. She told them that since “a mother never stops being a mom”, she always worried about their wellbeing. Her kids coined an assortment of nicknames for her, all of which were inspired by love, and “Shoops” was a favorite one. When her grandchildren came into her life, she was affectionately known as “Momoo and Nana”. Her warm and welcoming hospitality towards her children's friends is memorable to this day. The family always supported the American Heart Run & Walk honoring her son’s heart condition from birth. Sheila celebrated every holiday with a family gathering complete with festive food and treats. She felt that “Life is tough” and everyone faces tribulations from time to time, and when you are with loved ones, they can listen, lend advice, and lift your spirits. Sheila also found time to be a prolific reader. She enjoyed traveling, attending festivals, and embarking on new adventures. She was a member of the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing Alumni Association and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Sheila’s Irish heritage was very important to her and she celebrated it with pride on St. Patrick’s Day, but the rest of the year she was an “honorary Sicilian”. She participated in the Swim Club at the YWCA where many friendship were made. She also took pleasure in a monthly card club with her husband and friends. She was a faithful communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Sheila is survived by her husband, Jack; her father Walter; her sons and their loved ones, Jimm and Carrie Mineo, Christopher Mineo and Jenny DeRocco, and Bobby Mineo; her grandchildren, Kristopher Jones, and Jack Mineo; Isaiah, Autumn, and Benny Boo and their mother. She also leaves her sister, Marilyn Graham; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stephen and Beth Graham, and Michael and Maryann Graham; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Mary and Joseph Corapi, Roseann and John Franco, and Laura Hamelin; and the many wonderful friends who graced her life. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Congetta M. “Connie” Mineo. The family is grateful to the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center/Intensive Care Unit for their vigilant care; Upstate Medical Center/ICU staff, especially Dr. Mashaal Dhir for his outstanding care and compassion; Dr. Kevin McCormick, the best General Practitioner, friend, and advocate; Fr. Joe Salerno who was a part of their family and a sincere source of solace; and Sister Lois, the dearest of friends who provided Sheila with spiritual inspiration. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Sheila’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will follow graveside at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial donations in Sheila’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mrs. Sheila (Graham) Mineo

November 7, 1947 - June 15, 2018