Sheila Church

Groton — Sheila (Boiselle) Church, 72, of Groton, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on June 12, 1944, in New London, the daughter of the late Joseph E. and Mildred (Paige) Boiselle. Sheila had married the late Robert F. Church in Groton on July 10, 1960. He was the love of her life; she was heartbroken to lose him on Feb. 28, 2006.

Sheila was a devoted and loving mother not only to her own four children but to anyone in need of kindness and loving care. She was very proud of her family and was especially excited to become a grandmother. This was by far what brought her the most joy in life. She was well known by many at her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and school events since there was not a single one she would choose to miss.

She was an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church in Groton where she enjoyed assisting with the Mobile Food Pantry and other charitable activities. She also worked for many years at the office of Dr. Steven Rapoport, OD.

While she loved the beach and enjoyed reading a good book, it was the numerous family vacations and frequent family get-togethers that were her happiest times. She will be remembered most for her kindness to others and unconditional loving heart. Sheila will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her survivors include her two sons Randy Church and his fiancée, Lisa Gilmore, of Durham, N.C., and Jeff Church and his wife, Ronda, of Ledyard; two daughters, Jennifer LaFrance and her husband, Marc, of Oakdale and Debra Bensko of Mystic and her former husband, Brian, of Niantic; a sister, Janice Humes of Groton; nine grandchildren, Bradley, Jillian, Tyler and Jenna Bensko, Robert Church, Julia and Calvin LaFrance, Alex and Rene Nieves; and five great-grandchildren.

Sheila had also been predeceased by her sisters, Marion Mather and Bessie Thomas; and her brother, Raymond Boiselle.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, April 1, at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. Her burial will follow in Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton. There will be a visiting hour held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday prior to her service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be directed to Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign her guest book or to share a memory with her family.