Sheila J. Starke

Our family was saddened today when Sheila Joy Starke, 74 of 31 Carl’s Place, West Chazy, New York, went to sleep with the Lord on Monday Dec. 30th surrounded by her family. She was born on March 26th, 1945 in Ellenburg, NY and was the eldest daughter of Fred A. and June V. (Ormsbee) Lawrence. Sheila’s days were joyous ones as she attended Mooers Elementary and Ellenburg High School. She married Alexander M. Yanulavich on June 15th, 1968 and was blessed with three daughters and a son.  Sheila then later found love again and married to a David A. Starke on June 13th 1991. She is survived by her four children, Anne Yanulavich of Plattsburgh, Heidi Yanulavich of North Las Vegas, Lynette Yanulavich-Volk of Plattsburgh and Alexander M. Yanulavich of West Chazy. Sheila also left behind two sisters, Sharon F. Collins of Chateugay, NY and Janet M. Trombley of Plattsburgh and was predeceased by her brother, Craig Lawrence.   Sheila was a true child at heart, refusing to grow up and was such a light to her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who called her Mema. Sheila loved showing them how to cook, sew and garden and was even quite competitive when playing online games.   Sheila, being a spitfire and a hellraiser, loved dancing as much as a good game of hide and seek. Sheila took both of those activities quite seriously.  Sheila had no fear in her heart, she only wanted to enjoy life and nothing ever got her down not even her illnesses. She would often say, “I don’t have time to be depressed; I’ve got things to do!” and “Get busy livin’ or get busy dying!”. True to her word, she lived her life like that every day.  Sheila loved to socialize with others and always had a funny story to tell.  She didn’t mind telling strangers that she was the only Irish person who couldn’t drink and her fun stories of traveling all over the world.  Her sense of humor and frank words of wisdom went far beyond what she could ever imagine, influencing family and friends alike.  Sheila was a devoted Seventh Day Adventist and a very active member of her church. May she pass her strength onto those people she touched. Don’t cry for Sheila because her life is over, Smile because her life happened.

Calling hours will be held at Ross Funeral Home in Mooers, NY on Jan. 5th from 10am-12 pm and immediately following a memorial service to celebrate Sheila’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center and the America Cancer Society.

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