Sheila A. (Cleveland) Machnik, 64, died Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Stafford Springs, CT, the daughter of the late Elmer and Joan (Burke) Cleveland and lived in Monson in her early years before moving to Ware. She graduated from Ware High School in 1973. Sheila worked as an Administrative Assistant for George Benoit & Co. in Palmer for over 30 years.
Sheila was a very special and loving person, always finding the good in people. Because of these qualities, she developed so many friendships with her loving and caring ways, and was an inspiration to all. She loved all types of music and attended multiple concerts each year, from Englebert to Def Leppard. Sheila had a very active life, enjoying her visits to Foxwoods and Fenway, the annual trip to Tucson and Las Vegas, and in the summer brightening up the shores at the family cottage at Buttermilk Bay on the Cape. She became an active member of The Ladies Auxiliary at Amvets Post 74 in Three Rivers, socializing with The Amvets family, and helping with benefits for veterans with her hard work, baking talents, and her beautiful smile. She will be missed dearly by her loving family to whom she was so devoted, including her grandchildren who will always remember “Mimi.”
Sheila is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, Edward T. Machnik, her three children, Christopher Pajak of Ware, Nicholas Pajak of Old Hickory, TN, and Amy Burke and her husband Jonathan of Warren; her sisters Linda Massino and her husband Tony of Georgetown, Delaware, Anita Nadeau of West Warren and Brenda Cleveland and her partner Kevin Madigan of Gilbertville. She also leaves her step-daughters Megan Yaffe and her husband Matt of Rumford RI, Heather Pierce and her partner Eric Morrison of Gilbertville; her step-father Arnie Lucia of Lakeland, FL, 9 grandchildren and her former husband and father of her children, Charles Pajak of Ware.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her beloved son Daniel Pajak in 2017, and her brothers Paul and Elmer Cleveland.
Sheila’s funeral services will be held at a later date. Cebula Funeral Home, Ware, has been entrusted with her final arrangements.
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