Saint Sheila Powell escorting a group of field trip students to the simulators from their restroom break. Sheila and Lorraine Houston were the dream team of Space Center field trip instructors back in the day. Sheila had recently retired as a sixth-grade teacher from the Jordan School District when I convinced her to come join our staff as a field trip teacher. Those years rest nicely on my memory.
Hello Space Center Family,
Our dear, gifted, and beautiful friend and former Space Center educator Sheila Powell passed away on July 29th. Her many contributions as a teacher in Jordan District, the Utah Geography Alliance, and the Christa McAuliffe Space Center made a difference for good in the lives of thousands of children and her coworkers. She retired from the Space Center in 2011 to fight her final great battle against Parkinson's disease. Only something like that could force her to leave the Center. It was her home away from home. It gave her a chance to combine her love of teaching and space to excite our field trip students to look up and imagine what lies out there in the vastness of the cosmos. She truly exemplified the mission of the Space Center, to create a space faring civilization.
My nickname for Sheila was "Saint Sheila of Lehi" because she was just that to all of us, a Saint.
Sheila’s rise to sainthood was the result of several factors. Sheila was a sixth grade teacher in the Jordan School District. That fact alone drew Vatican attention. Sheila was a cancer survivor. Cancer survivors no longer exist in the same world as you and I. They experience life differently, knowing how fragile it is and how quickly it can end. They have the power to stop time and enjoy life’s special moments. You see them sometimes, standing alone, looking at something so innocent to us that it would hardly cause a moment’s thought, yet they sit memorized - lost in the fraction of a pleasant second.
Saint Sheila, Always Willing to Try Something new
A few weeks before Sheila’s Parkinson's Disease diagnosis in 2011, her father passed away. It was yet another burden for her to carry, being the eldest and responsible for her surviving mother. And then came the news.....
“I’ve got Parkinson’s Disease,” she told us one day in March of that year. It was said much like you would say you were coming down with a cold. The calmness of the statement was followed by the brightening of her halo. Such a statement can leave the listener uncertain of how to respond. For a moment you visualize the meaning, then realize the uncertain road ahead. The “I’m so sorry,” that inevitably follows are the only words that manage to surface.
And so, our Saint Sheila embarked on another journey of faith, and we stood amazed and her spirit and determination to make the best of the hand fate had dealt.
I wrote the following in the Blog the week we learned of her diagnosis in March 2011
Recently I overhead several of the staff discuss a member of BYU’s basketball team. I believe his name was Jimmer. The word ‘hero‘ was used to describe their perceptions of his character and abilities. I thought for a moment of how life changes you as you age. When you’re young you admire people that excel in doing things you dream of doing yourself. You make them your heroes. You put their posters on your walls. You dress like them, talk like them, and eat the cereals endorsed by them
Now that I've reached the Autumn of my life, I choose my heroes differently. My heroes are the men, women and children who carry the burden of misfortune and illness with a faith that inspires me to be a better person. I see them playing a hand none of us would want, and yet manage to do it in such a way that we are all the better for it.
Saint Sheila is my hero. Thank you Saint Sheila.
Saint Sheila and Husband Lee
Our thoughts are with Shiela's husband Lee and her family at this time. I want them to know how special Sheila was to all of us who knew and worked with her. She was a brilliant teacher, a devoted and loving friend, and an example to all on never quitting no matter what the foe - be it a Utah blizzard, an difficult student, or a devastating disease.
Saint Sheila on her dependable tractor Hercules
God Bless You Saint Sheila. Your work here is finished. Now you are free to explore the vastness of space and experience those wondrous things you taught about. And in your journeys, find that incredible something just waiting to be discovered; and when you do, think of us.
The Troubadour Blog's Salutes to Saint Shiela's Work
Friends, Shiela was featured in several Troubadour blog posts during her time at the Space Center. Each post is a testament to the contributions she made to our mission and purpose. Please take a minute to revisit these stories as we celebrate the magical and mythical Saint Shiela of Lehi!
•. Saint Sheila and the Storm of the Century
• Saint Sheila and the Standing Ovation
• Saint Sheila Writes About a Funny Classroom Experience
• Saint Sheila Wrote about Space Center Field Trips. Redcoats to the Rescue!
And Finally, This Story about Saint Sheila on BYU Television
Yes, our very own Saint Sheila of Lehi appeared on BYU television last week. They ran a piece on the Space Center as part of their nightly news. The reporter spent nearly an hour at the Center. Most of the time was with Aleta Clegg. A few minutes of the reporter’s time was with Sheila. Well, what did the reported choose to do? She decided to use the Saint Sheila footage and nothing from Aleta.
Aleta admitted defeat the following day. Up until then Aleta privately doubted the sainthood of Shiela. She ignored the growing evidence claiming it was all random occurrences brought on by statistical chance. Not any more. Aleta is now suggesting we have an official portrait painted of Sheila to hang in the Discovery Room. Small prints of the portrait could be sold in the Center’s Gift Shop along with candles. Surely a portrait of Saint Sheila with a candle or two on any home’s mantle would bring blessings.
Aleta, we welcome you to the growing congregation of Sheila admirers. She is one great gal.
And yes, you may keep all the proceeds from the sale of the pictures and candles. That will be your blessing.
Well, have a great week everyone. Thanks for reading, and to our staff and volunteers -thank you for your dedication. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the fantastic people that work here. I’m am your greatest fan.
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