Sheila Kay Philo, age 76, of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, Brad Philo; her children Chandra (Tim) Nybroten, Megan (Erik) Henning, and Ryan (Kim) Philo; her sister Sue Bassett; her brother Cal (Linda) Zimmerman, her brother-in-laws Gary (Deb) Philo and Jim (Cheryl-lyn) Philo; and sister-in-law Susan Philo; her six grandchildren Hannah, Josh, Christian, Grant, Sydney & Samantha as well as many extended family members and cherished friends. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Betty Zimmerman.

She was born Sheila Kay Zimmerman on April 11, 1949, in Madison, Wisconsin. Her childhood included many moves including a time in Colombia, before graduating from Arlington High School in 1967. Sheila and Brad met as sophomores in high school and continued their courtship through college at Northern Illinois University. They were married on August 30, 1970. Sheila graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1971 and began her career at Delnor Hospital.

Brad and Sheila built their home in Wheaton in 1978 where they raised their three children and lived there until their recent move to Monarch Landing. During their early years of marriage, Sheila stayed home to care for their children and taught Lamaze classes out of their home.

A woman of deep faith, Sheila was an active and devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for over 50 years. She served in many capacities including altar guild, Bible studies, Women's Ministry, Luther League, Vacation Bible School, the "What's Up" kids program, and as the new mom's visitation coordinator. She also gave her time to the Women's Resource Center, participated in book clubs, and spent hours with Brad cultivating their beautiful gardens.

Sheila and Brad were blessed with deep, lifelong friendships including their "Sorority Group" of Sigma Kappa sisters and spouses, their "Church Group" from Holy Cross, their "Racquetball Group" from the Wheaton Sports Center, and their "Ballroom Dance Group." Her gift of hospitality was evident to all who stepped into her home, always greeted with warmth, delicious meals, and incredible attention to all the details.

As her children grew, Sheila returned to nursing, working at a local pediatrician's office, home health, and family planning at the DuPage County Health Department, where she served until her retirement in 2011. Throughout all seasons of life, she remained a steady presence for her family. She was faithful, encouraging, and full of love. Sheila and Brad nurtured a strong marriage with weekly date nights, annual family vacations, travel and many shared hobbies.

Sheila joyfully embraced her role of Grandma (Gramee), forging special relationships with each of her six grandchildren. She faithfully prayed for them, listened to them and spent quality time with them at family gatherings, especially biennial reunions at Green Lake, Wisconsin.

Sheila was blessed to have her parents alive most of her life. She was especially close to her mother, Betty, who was her role model and mentor. That relationship shaped Sheila into the incredible woman she was, graceful, compassionate, and quietly strong.

In 2023, Sheila was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which gradually affected her physically and mentally. Yet even in her final days, she lived a life grounded in faith and centered on the people she loved. Her foundation was firm, and we take comfort in knowing her reunion in heaven was joyful as she was welcomed into the arms of Jesus her Savior and reunited with her beloved parents and all who have gone before her.

Sheila will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially by her dear husband Brad, who loved her faithfully through every season of her life. We find hope in the promise that we will one day meet again.

A Visitation and Memorial Service for Sheila will be held Sunday, July 6th at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 802 E Geneva Rd Wheaton, IL 60187. Visitation at the church will be from 1-3:30pm with a celebration of life service at 3:30pm followed by a meal and fellowship at the church.

To access the page set up by Holy Cross Lutheran Church for the service and the live stream of the service please visit. https://www.holycrosswheaton.org/sheila-philo

Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Wheaton at
Holy Cross Lutheran Church | Online Giving (Thanksgiving & Memorial Fund)

OR

to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research through Sheila's Tribute Page at
In Tribute to Sheila Philo | The Michael J. Fox Foundation Or mail to PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 OR Brad Philo at 2004 Audubon Ave Apt #418 Naperville, IL 60563