Sheila C. Bellamy

AMENIA — Sheila C. Bellamy (née Carmel), age 92, of Sarasota, FL, died on May 9, 2026, at her home, after a brief illness.

Sheila was born on May 28, 1933, the oldest daughter of the late Rose (Brown) and Arthur Carmel. Her beloved sister, Ann, soon followed. Sheila was raised in Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighborhood and graduated from New Utrecht High School and Brooklyn College, where she earned an English degree while working in the biology and physiology laboratory. Later, while raising four children and working, she earned a master’s degree in education from SUNY New Paltz and advanced certificates in teaching and special education.

After a short stint in North Carolina as a military spouse, Sheila lived in Amenia, New York for 37 years, where she was a devoted educator. She first taught as a substitute teacher in the local school system and then as a teacher at a youth residential facility in town, but most of her many teaching years were spent in special education at the Wassaic Developmental Center.

During her Amenia years, Sheila was a member and leader of several organizations, including the Beth David Congregation, the Webutuck PTA, and the Girl Scouts, and her personal kindness, support, and humor left a lasting impact on many within our community as well.

Sheila met the love of her life and future husband, Ronald Bellamy, R.N., at work more than 45 years ago. They were married in Amenia on July 8, 1990.

Sheila and Ron lived an idyllic retirement in Sarasota beginning in 1995, during which they traveled the world and had adventures both at home and abroad, while continuing to serve as volunteers. Sheila was chosen by the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of Hadassah as their 2004 Woman of the Year.

In addition to her husband Ronald, Sheila is lovingly survived by daughters Barb Klees (and husband Mark Glickman), Margie Gerrard (and husband Ed), and Carrie Klees; son Ed Klees (and wife Susan); stepdaughters Dawn Brinson and Fraun Bellamy-Baker (and husband Ron Baker); stepsons Tony Bellamy (and wife Alison) and Ronald Bellamy Jr; 19 cherished grandchildren; two beloved nieces; and other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her sister Ann and her stepdaughter Tammy Bellamy. A funeral service was held on May 19, 2026.

Sheila was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, friend, educator, and community member. She modeled perseverance and kindness, beauty and intelligence, and love and humor, throughout the twists and turns of life. She generously gave her time, effort, and financial support to many meaningful causes. In her memory, please donate to the charities of your choice, and give love to those who need it.