Obituary for Sheila N. Kraft
Sheila N. Kraft, age 48, of Belleville, died Monday, September 5, 2022 at Caseyville Nursing and Rehab in Caseyville.
Sheila battled OPCA Multiple System Atrophy - cerebellar subtype (MSA-C). A rare disease that causes areas deep in the brain, just above the spinal cord, to shrink (atrophy). MSA-C used to be known as olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA).
Sheila is now reunited with her Father, Robert Louis Kraft (passed in 2006), her dear partner Jerry Grant (passed in 2021), her maternal Grand Parents, Joseph & Wilma Toon, and her Paternal Grand Parents, Elmer, and Mary Kraft.
Sheila is survived by her Mother, Carolyn Ann Kraft (70), of Belleville IL, and Eight siblings: Keith Allen Kraft (49) -his wife Tonya Kraft, and her children Meghan, Caitlyn & Branden, Brian Robert Kraft (46) - his partner Araya Hoang and her son Minh, Eric Ryan Kraft (44), Jennifer Ann Kraft (42) - her husband & son Ashutosh Sharma & Aeshwynn Kraft-Sharma, Bridget Marie Kraft (40), her partner David Stone, Cassandra Renee Kraft (34) and her son Christian Powell, Jessica Lynn DeSanto (32) - her husband & son Alex DeSanto & Rory DeSanto, Phillip Gerard Kraft (30) and his partner Meghan Maloy.
Sheila was heavily involved in community activities with LINC (Living Independently Now Center) through training and counseling for those in need. Sheila overcame significant adversity in her life. Her strong will and determination for independent living were admired by all.
Sheila graduated from Belleville Township High School East in 1992. She graduated from SIUE with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language Studies.
Sheila lit up like the sun when she spoke about her cats or her plants. It was a joy to hear her talk about the experiences she shared. She had a wonderful laugh and an incredible sense of humor. Sheila loved to sing and dance. Sheila loved to eat; Bread and giant gas station sodas were her favorite treats. She also loved teddy bears. Phoebe on Friends was her favorite relatable TV character. Sheila would rescue any cat if she could, whether they needed it or not. She was interested and kind to people that suffered or needed help. Sheila was blunt, stubborn, and to the point. She was confident in who she was and did not acquiesce in the face of others’ judgments.
Sheila loved to drive her little blue convertible FIAT during her High School years, providing transportation to friends and family. We assume her spirit now gets to drive anytime and as fast as she likes.
Sheila’s suffering in this world has ended. May she Rest In Peace.
Visitation will be from 1-3:30 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Kalmer Memorial Services, located on Rt. 50 between Lebanon and O’Fallon. A memorial service will follow from 3:30-4:00.
Memorial contributions may be given to the National Ataxia Foundation or to the family. https://www.ataxia.org/donate/
Sheila battled OPCA Multiple System Atrophy - cerebellar subtype (MSA-C). A rare disease that causes areas deep in the brain, just above the spinal cord, to shrink (atrophy). MSA-C used to be known as olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA).
Sheila is now reunited with her Father, Robert Louis Kraft (passed in 2006), her dear partner Jerry Grant (passed in 2021), her maternal Grand Parents, Joseph & Wilma Toon, and her Paternal Grand Parents, Elmer, and Mary Kraft.
Sheila is survived by her Mother, Carolyn Ann Kraft (70), of Belleville IL, and Eight siblings: Keith Allen Kraft (49) -his wife Tonya Kraft, and her children Meghan, Caitlyn & Branden, Brian Robert Kraft (46) - his partner Araya Hoang and her son Minh, Eric Ryan Kraft (44), Jennifer Ann Kraft (42) - her husband & son Ashutosh Sharma & Aeshwynn Kraft-Sharma, Bridget Marie Kraft (40), her partner David Stone, Cassandra Renee Kraft (34) and her son Christian Powell, Jessica Lynn DeSanto (32) - her husband & son Alex DeSanto & Rory DeSanto, Phillip Gerard Kraft (30) and his partner Meghan Maloy.
Sheila was heavily involved in community activities with LINC (Living Independently Now Center) through training and counseling for those in need. Sheila overcame significant adversity in her life. Her strong will and determination for independent living were admired by all.
Sheila graduated from Belleville Township High School East in 1992. She graduated from SIUE with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language Studies.
Sheila lit up like the sun when she spoke about her cats or her plants. It was a joy to hear her talk about the experiences she shared. She had a wonderful laugh and an incredible sense of humor. Sheila loved to sing and dance. Sheila loved to eat; Bread and giant gas station sodas were her favorite treats. She also loved teddy bears. Phoebe on Friends was her favorite relatable TV character. Sheila would rescue any cat if she could, whether they needed it or not. She was interested and kind to people that suffered or needed help. Sheila was blunt, stubborn, and to the point. She was confident in who she was and did not acquiesce in the face of others’ judgments.
Sheila loved to drive her little blue convertible FIAT during her High School years, providing transportation to friends and family. We assume her spirit now gets to drive anytime and as fast as she likes.
Sheila’s suffering in this world has ended. May she Rest In Peace.
Visitation will be from 1-3:30 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Kalmer Memorial Services, located on Rt. 50 between Lebanon and O’Fallon. A memorial service will follow from 3:30-4:00.
Memorial contributions may be given to the National Ataxia Foundation or to the family. https://www.ataxia.org/donate/