Sheila Ann Cooper Esser

Sheila Ann Cooper Esser, 50, of Waterman, formerly of DeKalb, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2020 at her home. Sheila was born March 8, 1970, in Elgin, IL, the daughter of Bradley and Pamella (Bennett) Cooper.

Sheila was a very compassionate, free spirited woman, who loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. Sheila always ensured everyone felt safe and equally happy. She was a mother to children who weren’t even her own biological children. All of her children’s friends would call Sheila their second “Mom”. She enjoyed baking specialized cakes for the other people’s birthdays, etc. Sheila loved being outdoors. She enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping and sight seeing on our family road trips. Her life may have been a rollercoaster but at the end of each day she always had a strong will and heart that would smile even in the hardest of times. Sheila had a mindset that could help anyone in a crisis. She was a great listener and nurturer. She enjoyed helping other people in need even if it was her last dollar or it put her in a crisis herself. She has touched the hearts of many people who are so blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. She is now in Heaven watching down on every single one of us. Watch for her signs, you’ll notice her presence.

Sheila is survived by three children, Cassandra (Matthew) Butters of Paw Paw, Matthew (Samantha Bentley) Esser of DeKalb, and Chelsea (Jacob Mendoza) Cooper of DeKalb; four grandchildren, Alexis Butters, 9, Austin Butters, 8, Tyler Butters, 6, and Trevor Butters, 4; three siblings, Connie (Ronald) Byrd of Waterman, Daniel Cooper of Marengo, and Courtney (Steve) Kachelmuss of Gallatin, TN; her uncle, Steve Anderson of Greeley, CO; several nieces and nephews; the father of her children, Steven Esser of Paw Paw; and her boyfriend, Jerry Isham of DeKalb.

Sheila is preceded in death by her parents, Bradley and Pamella, and a brother, Brent Cooper.

Cremation care has been provided by Torman Funeral Home, Paw Paw. A memorial visitation will be held from 4pm-6pm on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Torman Funeral Home in Paw Paw. Memorials may be directed to the family.