Sheila Parmelee of Middletown, Connecticut | 1943 - 2024 | Obituary

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Sheila (Dunn) Parmelee, 80, of Middletown, wife of Craig Parmelee, Sr., passed away on Wednesday January 10, 2024 at her home surrounded by family. 

She was born in Middletown, daughter of the late Mark F. and Gertrude (Farrell) Dunn. Sheila was a 1961 graduate of Middletown High School and a 1964 graduate of the Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Hartford, CT.  Craig and Sheila were high school “sweethearts” and were married in 1965 at St. John Church in Middletown.  Sheila was a Registered Nurse who began her career at Middlesex Hospital caring for children on the Pediatrics floor.  For 26 years, Sheila served as a school nurse in the Middletown School system.  She was a long-time school nurse at Xavier High School retiring in 1999 after 21 years.  Sheila loved children, so the opportunity to work as a school nurse was a dream come true for her.  She would often assist in the school office at Xavier lending a helping hand in any way she could.        

Sheila is survived by her husband, Craig; sons, Craig Parmelee, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Pelham, NY., Jim Parmelee and his wife Holly of New Canaan, CT.; daughter-in-law, Heather Parmelee of Colchester, CT.; brother, Mark Dunn of Woodbridge, VA.; sisters, Kathy Stack of Newport, RI., Trudy Tewksbury of Portland, CT.; eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and thirteen nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Shaun Parmelee.   

 Sheila’s love for and commitment to her family was her North Star.  For more than thirty years, she has been the ultimate grandmother and great grandmother traveling far and wide to attend every school and sporting event and she rarely missed an opportunity to support her family.  Sheila adored family parties and picnics and her baked goods, especially “Grandma’s” chocolate chip cookies, were legendary.

 Following her retirement, Sheila and her husband Craig spent most winters in Naples, Florida.  She loved her time in Florida enjoying the climate but most importantly, the lasting friendships she developed at the Naples Walk Community in Bay Forest.                        

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday January 20th at 10 a.m. at St. John Church, Middletown. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Portland. Calling hours will be on Friday January 19th from 4 to 6 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Sheila’s name.  To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.