Shiela M. Soares

Shiela Mae Soares was born in Kingsburg on December 19th, 1937 and came from a long line of Kingsburg families. The Scheline's and the Haley's have been a part of Kingsburg for over 100 years. The community was a part of her, as much as she was a part of the community. Our Mom was someone who was very proper in the way that we were raised. But unlike many others who lead with words, she lived it through actions and was simple for us to understand. Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or even just casual get togethers were always organized down to the last detail and no one was ever left out. You could see her joy reflected in the faces of everyone that was there. When we were young, our parents played in mixed softball and bowling leagues. They enjoyed this tremendously, and we, as kids, attended every softball game at the KHS Varsity Diamond (where the little theater sits today). As we grew older, and started playing sports ourselves, Mom and Dad were always there. They coached Bobby Sox and Little League. As the three of us went onto high school and college, our proud parents continued cheering us on, celebrating victories, or counseling us after a though loss. Our life at home, on the farm, had the same teamwork approach whether working in the yard, the fields, or around the house. Once we started high school, Mom started working for the Postal Services as an inside clerk. She loved seeing so many people she knew, and grew up with, come through the doors as the Post Office. She knew the postal system well, and her "proper way" of doing things really meshed well there. She served this community for 22 years, and then began her retirement. Our father had retired a few years earlier and the two of them happily made up for lost time. Traveling (never too far) to visit family and friends that lived away, and just reconnect with those that were important to them. In the fall, while fresh apples were readily available, Mom would make her special apple cake 2 or 3 times a week. Fresh from the oven at 9AM, there would be friends or family there for coffee and cake. As we grew older, and had our own families, Mom couldn't get enough of her grandkids (and later the great grandkids). She made the holidays so special for them, and they loved it! On March 10, 2002 our father passed away. This was the most difficult time of her life. Her partner in everything was now gone. She still had the rest of us, but it was not the same- no one understood Mom's life like Dad did. A little at a time, she opened back up to those friends she had from childhood. It was this network that helped Mom to fill some of the void of losing Dad. Over the years those friends, those lunches, the weekly card games became so important to her. If you're reading this, you may have picked up on the sense teamwork that our parents had. It was created by their love for each other. They believed that together they could accomplish what they wanted and together they did! When Mom passed, the Lord took her home in his hands. But once home, the Lord placed her in our Dad's arms where she was always meant to be. We love you Mom and miss you. Give Dad a hug for all of us too... Shiela is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Keith Scheline, and her husband John Soares. She is survived by her children: son Nick Soares and his wife Julie, son Johnny Soares, and daughter Denise Amaro and her husband Allen. She had six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Monday, March 27th, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1275 Smith Street, Kingsburg with the Rosary at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1275 Smith Street, Kingsburg immediately followed by interment at the Kingsburg Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Shiela M. Soares

December 19, 1937 - March 15, 2023