Obituary of Sr. Sheila F. Fahrenkopf, CSJ

Fahrenkopf, Sister Sheila Francis, CSJ

LATHAM - Sister Sheila Francis Fahrenkopf (Mary Elizabeth) died on November 30, 2023 at the age of 90 in the 71st year of her religious life. Sister Sheila, the daughter of Francis and Frances Fahrenkopf was born in Albany, NY, the elder of two daughters. Sister attended St. Ann's Academy for grammar school and high school and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15,1952. Sister Sheila received her bachelor's and master's degrees from The College of St. Rose in elementary education and then spent 47 enriching years introducing young children from kindergarten through second grade to the dual challenges of learning and life. Sister Sheila was a deeply loving woman, tenderly caring for her young students, lively and spirited with her friends and devoted to her parents, her sister Sheila and husband Joseph and her niece Jamie. She was an integral part of their lives often sharing in family get-togethers along with her dear and best friend Sister Jean Therese Owens.

Sister served in many areas of the Albany diocese, enjoying each school at which she ministered and embracing each pupil whom she encountered but she left her heart at St. Pius X in Loudonville where she lived and taught for 28 years. For both parents and students, Sister Sheila and St. Pius became synonymous. Her classes were known for creative learning and fun. Role playing, costumes and character impersonation were some of the many ways Sister Sheila brought her reading classes to life. Her spirituality, gentle demeanor and absolute dedication to her pupils were legendary. Her child psychology was a model for all.

Retiring from teaching in 2002, Sister Sheila served in her community's data center for seven years. Following that, Sister Sheila became a valued member of the library staff for eight years, finally fully retiring in 2017.

Sister Sheila is survived by her niece and nephew-in-law Jamie St. Martin and Thomas as well as her brother-in-law Joseph Cancilla, and her religious community at the Provincial House and Teresian House where she died. She was predeceased by her sister Sheila Cancilla.

Sister Sheila's wake will take place on Wednesday, December 6, at 4 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 7 at 11a.m. at St. Joseph's Provincial House.

Contributions in Sister's memory may be made to the Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph's Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY, 12110

Arrangements are under the care of The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham.