July 25th, 1959 – March 15th, 2023

Sheila Diane (Akin) Adler, 63, of St. Louis, MO, passed away on March 15, 2023, at her home. 

Sheila was born to the late Deanna Elliott and Robert Akin on July 25^th, 1959 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Her early years were shaped in the homes of her mother, father and stepmother, and beloved grandparents in and around Collinsville, IL. She later attended Sparta High School before meeting and marrying Thomas Adler of St. Louis in 1976.

Before all else, Sheila was a loving and proud mother to her daughters, Danielle and Jessica. Sheila was an outspoken and fierce champion of her daughters’ happiness and success at every opportunity. She worked at Adler’s Jewelers for 13 years before choosing to spend her time in the home in support of her daughters’ education and extracurricular interests.

As her own children grew older, she chose to dedicate time to her lifelong compassion for at-risk youth by working part-time at the Children’s Home Society as a Developmental Aide for 8 years. The Children’s Home Society provided residential and respite services to children with significant developmental disabilities, and education and counseling for families with children who have experienced past trauma. Her work there was emotionally and physically challenging, but she was rewarded by the strong bonds she formed with many of the children there. 

Sheila was an exceptional caregiver. She exceled at taking control in a crisis. She found immense joy in cooking and feeding those she loved. She had an uncanny ability to remember important dates and birthdays, always making sure the people in her life felt valued, remembered, and appreciated. 

Sheila found beauty all around her, and surrounded herself in things that brought her joy. She was creative, and remarkably talented at embroidery. She loved to tackle a puzzle, lose herself in a good book, and never met a pet she didn’t fall in love with. She had a wicked sense of humor, and spent many a night laughing until it hurt with her daughters. She will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered.

Sheila is survived by daughters Danielle Adler Estes (Armeake) and Jessica Adler Gerring (Stephen), four beautiful grandchildren Mikayla, Braylon, Georgia and Frederick, husband Thomas Adler, sisters Monica Godek and Dawn Pochek, brother Robert Oliver, mother Carleen Akin, and her beloved dachshund, Pumpkin. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sheila’s name to Safe Connections or Stray Rescue of Saint Louis. 

https://safeconnections.org/give/donate-now/ 

https://www.strayrescue.org/donate