Sheila Sullivan Banken

Sheila Sullivan Banken passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on February 24, 2023.

Sheila was born in Los Angeles on January 18,1932 to William and Mary Kelly Sullivan, who immigrated from County Cork and County Galway, Ireland to the United States. Along with her sister, Margaret Sullivan, they were raised by their parents together in the city of Los Angeles.

Sheila attended Saint Michael’s Elementary School where she met Glen in the first grade, who later in life would become her husband.

Sheila attended Saint Mary’s Academy High School and went onto Mt. Saint Mary’s University where she graduated in 1953 with an English major.  She became a teacher at El Segundo Elementary School where she taught first and fourth grade until 1962.

Sheila and Glen Banken married in June of 1957.  They would travel in their Volkswagen “bug” on their honeymoon through the southern U.S., braving Hurricane Audrey in Texas on their way to Florida and Jamaica.

By 1962 the family began to grow with the arrival of Steve, Nancy in 1963 and Anne in 1968.  They enjoyed many family vacations together, including Hawaii, Ireland, England, Mexico, Bermuda and numerous U.S. States.

Sheila was active in many organizations throughout her life. She supported Mt. Saint Mary’s as a Regent for 25 years. She served on the Grand Jury of Los Angeles, she was a docent at Olvera Street and was a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, that represents children in the foster system.

Sheila had a wonderful Irish wit, great sense of humor, and enjoyed conversations with family and friends on a daily basis. She was a vibrant personality, a lively spirit which will never be forgotten.