Sheila A. Messick Pruett

Born: 2/11/1967 Died: 8/29/2011 Mrs. Sheila A. Messick Pruett, age 44, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2011, at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD, with her family by her side. A native Delawarean, Sheila was born in Wilmington on February 11, 1967, and graduated from William Penn High School. She began her professional career at Murphy Steel Company, working there until 1994 when she retired to devote all of her time and talent to raising her two beloved daughters. Sheila would later accept a part-time position as the rectory household manager and chef for Our Lady of Fatima, where her daughters attended school. Well known for her warm and compassionate personality, she had a marvelous rapport with many people in the church community, particularly family friend and pastor, Fr. Mink. Throughout her life, Sheila found great satisfaction in making wonderful meals for her family, for parties, and for fundraisers. She made sure that nobody ever went away from her table hungry! She cherished her many friends and their families, especially her sister and best friend, Sheryl Cook, and dear friend, Dawn Guseman. In her rare “me” time, Sheila enjoyed watching classic Christmas movies and heartwarming television programs like “The Waltons.” She is survived by her beloved husband of 20 years, Richard H. “Rick” Pruett; daughters, Samantha and Katie Pruett; mother, Loretta A. Castaldi Messick; sister, Sheryl Cook; brothers, Frank Messick (Terry), William “Billy” Messick, Jr. (Ruthie), and Kevin Messick (Sue); nieces and nephews, Michael (Jamie), Amanda (Terry), Krystina, Brian, Alina and Anton; special uncles, Frank and Tom Castaldi; several cousins and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her father, William C. Messick, Sr. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 N. DuPont Blvd., New Castle, DE, 19720, where visitation will begin at 9:30 am. Interment will be held privately at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Fatima School at the address above.