Sheila Ann Simonds

In Loving Memory of Sheila Ann Simonds July 13, 1968 – July 29, 2026

Sheila was predeceased by her parents Richard and Sharon, and sister Tammy. She is survived by her husband Greg Rossetti, son Landon and daughter Rylee. Her sisters Marie (Wanda Izard), Michelle (Keith Brickler), Kathleen (Chris Krenzer), nephews Kyle Simonds and Brock Pippenger, her faithful, canine companion Lincoln and many extended friends and family.

On July 13, 1968, one of the hottest days of the summer, the youngest of five daughters entered the world. Her mother immediately nicknamed her "Baby Bull." As the years passed, she became "the Big Girl," then simply "Sheila," and ultimately the title that suited her best, Mom.

Sheila grew up in the village of Scottsville and graduated from Wheatland-Chili High School. As a teenager, she could often be found at the local garage shop with her friends. It was there that she developed a lifelong passion for speed, horsepower, and the unmistakable smell of racing fuel on race day. She was quick off the tree, no matter how big the engine. She was a devoted Dale Earnhardt fan—enough said.

She loved debating whether dirt tracks were made for racing and asphalt was simply meant to get you there, or whether dirt was for farming and asphalt was for speed. No matter which side of the argument you took, one thing was certain, Go Big or Stay Home! And never bring peanuts to the track. Sheila was a Chevy girl through and through. One of Sheila's happiest moments was watching her beloved Camaro roll off the transport truck. Few things brought her more joy than taking it for a drive with her faithful companion, Lincoln, riding shotgun, his fur ruffling in the wind as the engine roared.

During high school, Sheila worked at the McDonald's in Henrietta alongside her sister Tammy. There she developed lifelong friendships, a fierce work ethic, and a love for Shamrock Shakes.

College wasn't part of Sheila's plan, so after graduating high school she began what would become a remarkable career at Bausch & Lomb. Through years of restructurings and layoffs, Sheila persevered, returning time and again with intent to move up the ranks. Along the way she built lasting friendships with coworkers who stood beside her through both life's celebrations and its challenges.

Sheila was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. She endured the freezing playoff games of the 1990s and remained loyal through the difficult seasons that followed. During some of her darkest days, the Bills gave her something to look forward to and lifted her spirits, just as her family and friends always did. One of her final outings that brought tremendous joy was attending a Bills event.

In 1999, a mutual friend introduced her to Greg, her future husband. After dating for several years, they became engaged and purchased their home in the booming metropolis of Clifton. Soon after, they welcomed their son, Landon, and four years later, their daughter, Rylee.

Her children were Sheila's greatest accomplishment, her greatest source of pride, and the very center of her world. She embraced every one of their interests, encouraged their dreams, and celebrated every accomplishment, no matter how big or small. She planned weekend getaways, day trips, pool parties, and countless adventures, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As they grew older, she was grateful they found the kind of close-knit friends who would "go to the mat" for one another. Sheila understood that true friendship is one of life's greatest blessings because she herself was fortunate to have many lifelong friends.

In 2010, Sheila was diagnosed with cancer. Over the next sixteen years, she fought the disease with extraordinary courage. Greg never left her side, facing every challenge with unwavering love and devotion. Even through surgeries, treatments, setbacks, and the loss of her beautiful blonde hair, Sheila's strength and determination never faltered. She remained a light to everyone around her, always choosing hope, always finding the good, and always living life to its fullest.

A friend once said that when he imagines what an angel looks like, he sees Sheila's face. There could be no more fitting description.

She was a baker, a party planner, a gearhead, a head-banger, a gambler, a classy redneck, and an undeniably tough woman with a beautiful heart. She was a loving sister, devoted wife, incredible mother, loyal friend, and above all else, kind to everyone she met.

In the end, Sheila passed away from Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, the same genetic disease that claimed the life of her beloved sister Tammy just a few years earlier.

Sheila spent her final days at Keuka Lake—her happy place—surrounded by the people she loved most. There, comfort came from cherished memories of family vacations, the beauty of the water, and the peaceful surroundings she treasured. Even in her final moments, Sheila was thinking of others, hoping to bring comfort to those she loved.

Although our hearts are broken, Sheila leaves behind a legacy of courage, laughter, loyalty, kindness, and unconditional love. She taught us to live boldly, treasure family and friends, cheer loudly, drive fast, and never take a single day for granted.

Drive fast. Take chances. Go Bills!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations:

Love for Misfit Meeps: https://www.misfitmeeps.com/love-for-misfit-meeps/

Patrick Place A Comfort Care Home https://patrickplace.org/donate