HELEN SHENEFIELD's Obituary
Helen Klieforth Shenefield, 88, of Oshkosh, died December 22, 2017 of complications of pneumonia.She was born June 19,1929, the daughter of Helen and Ralph Klieforth, and was a graduate of Oshkosh High School in 1947. That year she made her debut at North Shore Country Club of Neenah. She was graduated from Marquette University's College of Journalism in 195l with a PhB degree. In 1953 she earned her Master of Education and was graduated with honors. She earned 60 credits beyond her masters.
Her family and friends often laughed with her about her trip to Africa where she was supposed to get married, but changed her mind on the way. She met Dr. Albert Schweitzer on his way to receive his Nobel Peace Prize, and returned to Wisconsin.
She was news editor of the Stoughton, WI Courier Hub newspapers before joining the Madison United Way and Community Welfare Council as publicity director. After winning several national prizes for her work, she joined the national organization now known as United Way of America then in New York. She became magazine director, and edited several publications. She was a member of the Advertising Club, Publicity Club, and Sigma Tau Delta, national honorary fraternity for women in journalism.
As a freelance writer, she wrote many magazine articles for Rudder, Lakeland Boating, Yachting, and other boating and pleasure horse publications, as well as for several newspapers; Good Housekeeping, and PKA’s Advocate. She compiled information and wrote the copy for the book People and Events, published by United Way. Among the organizations she belonged to and served as officers were the Parent Teacher Association and American Field Service.
After marriage, she taught school in NY where Mrs. Shenefield was a middle school teacher, sponsor of the school newspaper Ram Page, which won first place in the Columbia University Scholastic Press Assn. competition, and edited the Port Chester Teacher Association's newspaper which also won first place honors in the New York State Teacher Association's competitions. She also edited the Adult Learning Center Teacher Association Newsletter for Southern Westchester BOCES.
In addition to teaching English at the middle school, Mrs. Shenefield taught English as aSecond Language and Adult Basic Education to adults. During spring vacations she often took groups of students on trips to Europe. In Oshkosh, she tutored a Hmong woman as part of the Literacy Program.
She was married in 1959 to Eugene Shenefield, director of the American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Shenefield (Sallie) of Kent Lakes, NY; Daniel Shenefield (Daria) of Tuxedo Park, NY; three daughters, Barbara Shenefield Price (Richard) of Charlottesville, VA; Caroline Angiello (Joseph) of Somers, NY; and Kathleen Shenefield of Heritage Hills, NY. She had 10 grandchildren, one of whom, Christopher Shenefield, passed away in 2013, and one great grandchild.
She had two sisters, Mary K. Wrasse, and Ann Marie Luker, both from Oshkosh. Mary passed away in 2014. She also had two brothers, Ralph Klieforth of Pleasantville, NY, and John Klieforth (Elizabeth) , of Golden, CO. She also is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was a member of Most Holy Sacrament Parish, and usually attended St. Mary Church in Oshkosh. She loved children, animals, nature, classical music, and outdoor activities as well as travel. Through the years she was an avid horsewoman, sailor, gardener, photographer, and writer. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Her first love was her children and grandchildren along with her many nieces and nephews and their children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday December 29, at 11:00 AM in Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (St. Mary site corner of Merritt and Monroe) with the Rev> Jerry Pastors officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM until the hour of services.
What’s your fondest memory of HELEN?
What’s a lesson you learned from HELEN?
Share a story where HELEN's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with HELEN you’ll never forget.
How did HELEN make you smile?