Sheila DeJohn

She was preceded in death by her adoring husband, David in April of 2009, her brothers David and Robert and Roberts wife Jean Leacock. She is survived by her son, Mark DeJohn of Bend, OR; her daughter, Lisa DeJohn of Seal Beach, CA; sister, Lydia Schaeffer and brother, Gordon Leacock, their families and members of her husbands family. Sheila was born September 20, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Robert & Kathleen (Maguire) Leacock. She was the second oldest of five children. As a family they spent every summer at their cabin in the north woods of Michigan where Sheila developed her lifelong love of nature. Sheila attended parochial school in Michigan, graduating from Grosse Pointe High School and then attending Hillsdale College to study English and Art, ultimately attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. There, in 1956 Sheila met the love of her life, David DeJohn on a blind date during her first week at college. They were wed in December of 1959 in Grosse Pointe. Their union was the beginning of an exceptional adventure of 49 years of marriage. Sheila and David shared a love of the outdoors and spent many afternoons exploring the wilderness looking for animals and birds, relaxing and enjoying each others company while surrounded by natures beauty. Sheilas professional life included teaching English and then Art in Northville, MI. Her dedication to education and children lead to the creation of an alternative progressive school in Plymouth Mi. The New Morning School was based on the philosophies of Jean Piaget. She gave up teaching ultimately to be a full time mom and homemaker but she continued her pursuit of fine art practice and study. Her artistic talent can be seen in her dramatic and delightful paintings, in her poetry, photography, hand made cards and jewelry. In addition, Sheila loved gardening and was an avid student of nutrition. She was involved in community groups and programs to nurture all of her passions. Sheila will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul. She was intelligent and a wonderful mother, wife, sister and friend; one who was deeply loved and will be sincerely missed. A memorial service will be held on March 17th at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Those who wish to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may contribute in her name to The Weston A. Price Foundation, The High Desert Museum or a nature conservatory of their choosing. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Sheila DeJohn

September 20, 1937 - February 7, 2012