Sheila Toby Biedermann

Sheila Toby Biedermann (nee Gold), 77, of South Haven, MI and former resident of Frankfort, IL, passed on July 29, 2017 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after a short battle with mesothelioma cancer.

Born in Chicago on June 18, 1940 to Rose and Ralph “Mickey” Gold, Sheila was raised in the South Shore neighborhood where she met David Biedermann her future husband.  She attended Hirsch High School and went on to graduate from the Harrington Institute of Interior Design.  Sheila and David were married in 1959 and after raising their family in the Chicago area, resettled to the beaches of her youth in South Haven where she worked at Chemical Bank.

Sheila was a passionate supporter of Susan G. Komen and participated in numerous 3-Day, 60-mile walks.  Over the years, she inspired many to join her in the fight against breast cancer.  In 2015, Sheila announced her “retirement” at the Atlanta 3-Day where she proclaimed that she was “75 walking 60!”

She also was very active in SHOUT, a local community organization that raised funds for the drawbridge flowers, benches on the beach and the Little Girl with Sand Pail statue in front of City Hall; Saint Basil Catholic Church and their Women’s Guild; and one of the most loyal members of the Wellness Center where she enjoyed Ashtanga yoga, kickboxing, Zumba and drumming.

Sheila is survived by her beloved husband David, and their four children Robin Biedermann Elm (Steve) of Greensboro, GA, Stacy Biedermann O’Brien (Terry) of Greenville, SC, Michael Biedermann (Karen) of Glenview, IL and Steven Biedermann (Kuenley Paeden) of Thimphu, Bhutan; a sister Michele Rust of Chicago; and grandchildren Laurel, Michael, Elliott and Reagan Elm; Mackenzie, Madison, and Murphy O’Brien; Quinten, Grace, Owen, and Dylan Biedermann; Kesang Dhendup Choden and Dechen Choden; and great-grandson Gedhuen Yarphel Chophel Dorji.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rose and Mickey, and three grandchildren Morgan Darrah and Austin Elm, and Tashi Chophel.

A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held at Saint Basil Catholic Church in South Haven, MI on Saturday September 16th with visitation beginning at 9:30am followed by her funeral mass at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Basil Catholic School – Tuition Scholarship Fund, 94 Superior St. South Haven, MI  49090 Tel (269) 637-3529 or the family’s Susan G. Komen 2017 San Diego 3-Day Team at www.the3day.org - team name: Sheila Strong.