"Dear Bob, I offer you and family my sincerest condolences on the loss of Sheila. I knew her first as Betty's close friend in the late 1960's soon after Betty and my father married. She was one of those exceptional people of wisdom, strength, and generosity who could always offer something useful. Dan Ashworth "
In loving memory of
Sheila Carolyn Dean Bock
May 26, 1933 - January 10, 2018
Madison - Sheila Carolyn Dean Bock, age 84, of Madison, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at University of Wisconsin Hospital. She was born May 26, 1933 in Rochester, New York, the daughter of Vance Owen Dean and Marie Rapp Dean. She married Robert H. Bock in the fall of 1979 at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison.
Sheila, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many, lived a life full of love that was marked by friendships that often spanned decades, a family that crisscrossed the nation, and a wonderful marriage to Robert Bock. Together, they shared nearly forty years of love and affection for each other and for their many pets, laughter, trips around the world, and countless Badger games.
Sheila had two beautiful daughters with her former husband, Mitchell Smith. She was a working mother in a time when it was the exception and not the norm, and she raised two kind, intelligent, and strong women while balancing commercial and residential property management, phone calls and appointments, timesheets and any problem that needed solving.
She was a talented artist who dabbled in drawing and watercolor, sewing, embroidery and cross stich, but whose artistry and craft truly shone in her knitwork. Some of the best clothes her family has ever worn were hand-knit by her deft and determined fingers.
Sheila was also a hostess and cook that made every gathering seem effortless and elegant. So much of her kindness and affection shone though prepared meals, events, and holiday and celebratory dinners. So strong was this thread of her spirit that her daughter Tierney has a catering and event planning background, and her grandson Joe is a chef and restaurant manager, as they both work to ensure that every gathering can be as seamless and lively as a Bock Christmas dinner. The rest of her children and grandchildren are pretty good behind a stove, but have a long way to go before they can match her skill.
Sheila was a lifelong Badgers fan and enjoyed attending basketball and football games, but was especially elated any time she could go to a Badgers hockey game. She was a Packers' fan for years, and counted Reggie White and his family among her many friends. She has a cherished autographed photo of Brett Favre. When Favre moved on, so did she, and she has since been an avid Seahawks fan, but mostly a Russell Wilson fan.
She is survived by her husband, Robert H. Bock of Madison; her daughters, Tracy Smith of Madison, Tierney Smith-Sharif of Chicago; her stepchildren, Mark Bock and family, Andy Bock and family, and Natalie Erdman and family; her grandchildren, Charlotte Sucik, Joe Sucik, Alex Sharif, and Mark Jr., Bob, James, Annie, Billy, Kelly, Martha and Sawyer Bock; and a great grandson, Lewis Falkstrom.
Services will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, with a visitation at 10:30 and a service at 11:30, and a lunch and ice cream social to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Sheila's favorite charity, the Dane County Humane Society.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"Dear Bob, We are so sorry to hear about Sheila'a death. We fondly remember the good times when you were our neighbors. It's hard to conceive the length of time that has passed since then. We also have good memories of our occasional meetings at the old Avenue. We miss those encounters. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and the family. Griff and Jan Dorschel"
"We are so saddened to hear of Sheila's passing. For the last 14 years, we shared a roof as condo neighbors, and you couldn't ask for better neighbors than Shelia and Bob. She was always caring and interested in what we were up to, and I learned a lot about gardening, specifically hydrangeas, from Sheila. I always admired her good taste!! We talked a lot about travels and adventures, and when it became difficult for Bob and Sheila to travel anymore, you could tell they lived through our stories and endured our photo shows (she had one of Jeff's duck photos from Lake Como framed). One example of Sheila's love for animals was when we were headed to Bonaire for a vacation, Sheila sent along cat food for "Thomas," a kittie she'd befriended over the years at their timeshare. Sure enough, Thomas came along during our visit and appreciated the food, and Sheila was so delighted to hear that he was still around. Sheila and Bob were always interested in hearing about our business and supportive of our work, trusting us enough to refer their friends when they were in need of assistance. Sheila's passing has already left a huge void in our little condo association. She is missed and will be remembered fondly. Continued prayers to Bob and family. Susan and Jeff "
"Dear Bob, I remember Sheila very fondly. I will keep her spirit in my heart and you in my prayers. RobinDouthitt"