SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sheila Mae Arpei (LaPoint), 71, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019 at her home after a battle with adrenal cancer.
Born in Ballston Spa on July 23, 1948, she was the beloved daughter of the late Helen (Beninati) and Raymond LaPoint.
Sheila met the love of her life, John Peter Arpei in 1967 and the two spent 52 wonderful years together.
Sheila devoted her time and energy to family, community, and others, always putting everyone else first. After graduating from Ballston Spa High School, she earned her Associates degree in Liberal Arts; she then attended SUNY Plattsburgh, leaving in her senior year to be with John. Sheila pursued her teaching certificate, completed her bachelor’s degree. She attained that lifelong goal by graduating from Excelsior College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology at 65.
Sheila was employed with the Saratoga Springs School District for 33 years, 19 years as an in-school Suspension Teacher’s Aide, 14 years as a substitute teacher; she loved her students, teachers, administrators and made lifelong friendships.
Sheila is survived by her brother, Raymond (Melita) LaPoint Jr. of Sacramento, CA, her three daughters (whom she called her “diamonds”): Kim Irene (Michael) Siciliano of Kennett Square, PA; Laura Jo Kline (Charles) of Harleysville, PA; Dr. Crystal Lynn Arpei-McHugh (Dr. Robert McHugh), of Wilton and six grandchildren.
Sheila was predeceased by her sister, Elaine McElroy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 23 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 167 Milton Ave. in Ballston Spa. Interment will be held immediately following service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 170 Church Ave. in Ballston Spa.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who showed their love and care for Sheila during her battle with cancer.
