Obituary of Sheila Marie Nordwick

Sheila Marie Elizabeth Donovan Nordwick passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the age of 65 in Hollister, California at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Sheila was born in Santa Ana, CA to Dennis and Kathy Donovan on January 23, 1955. She went to Notre Dame High School in Salinas, CA and graduated in 1973. Sheila was a faithful Christian in the Roman Catholic and Episcopal traditions. She knew that God loved her, and is enjoying being in heaven with Jesus. Until her retirement, she worked at Calaveras and other schools (Hollister) in food service for 15 years. She was fondly know as the “lunch lady” when students would see her around town. She amazingly always remembered their names. She loved all the students she served. She was a “neighbor’s neighbor” and enjoyed anonymously “paying it forward” to help others in need or just surprise someone with a meal or coffee. She was amazingly generous in caring for others. Sheila was lovingly devoted to her family, and loved being a mom and grandmother (Mimi). She was loyal and a fierce advocate to assure the right thing was always done – especially for younger people. She was a devoted “softball mom” who never missed a game. She was known for her noticeable cheering at games. She was an avid SF Giants fan, and she loved playing slot machines with her mother in law at Table Mountain. She will be remembered for always having a smile on her face and her sense of humor. Sheila was preceded in death by her mother - Kathy Donovan, and father - Dennis Donovan. Sheila is survived by her husband – Brian Nordwick, daughter – Sarah Nordwick, granddaughter - Willow Kendall, brother Dennis Donovan, wife Jackie; sister Patty Whitmore, husband Rick; brother Mike Donovan; sister in law Karen Holaday, husband Mark; brother in law Larry Nordwick, partner John Daniel; sister in law Jennifer Schmidt; sister in law Lisa Houle; brother in law Chris Houle, wife Julie; brother in law Mark Houle, partner Tina Gularte. Sheila had numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private outdoor funeral service for family only will be held at St. Francis Retreat Center – one of Sheila’s favorite places to visit. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to St. Francis Retreat Center/P.O. Box 970/San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 or Community Food Bank of San Benito County/1133 San Felipe Road/Hollister, CA 95023.