Sheila Slewett's Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished mother Sheila Winkler Slewett, at the age of 74 on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Born on March 29, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to loving parents Rose Kotler and Harold Leighton Winkler, Sheila's life was a tapestry woven with rich family ties. Her childhood, shared with her beloved sister Eileen, was filled with laughter and love amid a close-knit group of cousins, aunts, and uncles in Pittsburgh.
After visiting Miami, as an early teen, she convinced her large family to move to “paradise”, where they planted their roots. She loved the beautiful sky, sun, beach and the welcoming people in her beloved Miami. At Beach High, she developed lifelong friendships with the strongest bonds, loyalty and love. Sheila's relationship with her sister Eileen was filled with the purest love and adoration. They spoke multiple times a day always finding each other, regardless of where they were in the world. Leenie was Sheila's constant companion and closest of confidants until her untimely passing. But Sheila carried Eileen in her heart, every day.
Sheila’s family and friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was unique to her. From endless phone calls, text messages, trips, sharing meals, going on adventures near and far, Sheila had endless energy, compassion and empathy. She would always say, “I’m here, what can I do?” to help and support everyone in her life.
Sheila knew that relationships were the fabric of life, and she made everyone feel special. Whether you knew her your whole life, met in high school or on an airplane, Sheila made a beautiful impact like no other with her curiosity, love, generosity and kindness.
Sheila attended Boston University but graduated from the University of Miami, during which time she met her beloved “Slew”. Soon after graduating, at 21, she embarked on a 30 year romance with her late husband, Robert Slewett, building her beautiful family and warm home. Their loving marriage was a beacon of mutual respect and affection until Robert’s passing, a testament to a life shared in love.
Sheila’s heart was her family, and she selflessly devoted herself to nurturing her two children, Gregory Slewett and Danielle Zimmerman, whom she cherished. Her appreciation of beauty and always finding the good in people guided Sheila's life and the values instilled in her family. She is survived by her two children, their spouses, Chiara Slewett, Peter Zimmerman, and four treasured grandchildren, Ryan and Emma Zimmerman, and Luca and Sebastian Slewett. She will be profoundly missed by her brother-in-law Phil Youtie; her nieces and nephews, Haleigh and Max Youtie, Karen and Philip Slewett; and all her cousins, whom she held dear.
In the last decade of her life, Sheila found love and renewed adventure with Alan Rosenthal, whom she affectionately referred to as her “guardian angel." With him, she found a second lease on life. Their bond enriched her world, as did his family, whom she embraced as her own.
A celebration of Sheila’s life will take place at Temple Beth Shalom, 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach, on Sunday, June 15th, at 11am. Her interment will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park,10301 NW 25th Street, Miami, Florida.
To honor Sheila’s legacy, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eileen Youtie Foundation at https://eileenyoutiefoundation.com/. Her remarkable spirit and the love she shared will forever be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.
Arrangement are made by Levitt Weinstein Blasberg Rubin Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 932-2700.
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