Dr.Sheila M Gissibl Obituary

Events

Dr. Sheila Marie Gissibl (b. 11/19/75 - d. 1/22/26) was a rare and luminous soul—brilliant, compassionate, and deeply alive to the beauty of the world and the people in it. Sheila possessed a formidable intelligence paired with an even greater gift: her unwavering belief in human potential. As a psychologist, mentor, and healer, she devoted her life to helping others become stronger, kinder, and more fully themselves. She didn’t simply listen—she saw people especially the people she loved. She challenged us, encouraged us, and walked alongside us with fierce honesty and care.

This calling found its fullest expression when she founded Hope for a Better Tomorrow, the clinic that became both her professional legacy and her heart’s work. Through it, Sheila touched countless lives, creating a space rooted in empathy, resilience, and real transformation. Her impact will continue to ripple outward through every life she helped steady, uplift, and empower.

Beyond her work, Sheila lived a big, full life with absolute joy and intensity. She loved music that moved her body and her spirit, and she danced with a freedom that mirrored how she moved through life—fully present, unapologetically herself. She was a seeker and a lifelong learner. She constantly strived to improve herself - she read, she studied and deeply analyzed anything that sparked her interests. Nature was her refuge and her delight, especially the wild, sacred beauty of her beloved home in Kauaʻi, and her backyard river in Merton which she cherished deeply. She felt a special kinship with animals—birds, turtles, and sea life held a tender place in her heart. She carried a reverence for the natural world that shaped how she lived her life.

Sheila was beautiful in every sense of the word: radiant, loyal, quick-witted, adventurous and armed with a sharp sense of humor that could disarm even the hardest moments. She was feisty, passionate, and intensely alive—never small, never halfway.

These same qualities fueled her extraordinary courage after her multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2020. She fought with everything she had—bravely, relentlessly, and with remarkable grace and courage. Even in illness, she courageously remained focused on living, loving and finding beauty, meaning and joy in each day - a practice we should all strive to adopt.

Above all, Sheila was deeply and profoundly loved. She cultivated meaningful relationships, built chosen family wherever she went, and left people better for having known her. Her absence is immense, but so is the legacy she leaves behind—of compassion, strength, laughter, music, and hope.

Though her time here was far too short, the imprint of Dr. Sheila Gissibl’s life is enduring. She lives on in the people she healed, the friends and family and partner who adored her, and in the endless beauty she unleashed into this world during her too short time here.

She is survived by her mother, Linda Zima; grandmother, Pat Jesko; her stepdaughter Sarah Gissibl; uncle Rick Jesko and aunt Lisa Jesko; uncle Bob Jesko and aunt Dawn; her fiancé Bruce Webster; her best friend Tracy Wymelenberg and countless beloved friends, colleagues and extended family.

A celebration of her life will be held in her honor on March 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Northbrook Church located at 4014 WI-167, Richfield, WI 53076. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to causes that honor Sheila’s deep passion for improving both human condition and the natural environment.

The Dr. Sheila Gissibl Living Hope Fund: The Hope Fund will provide support to clinical interns, therapists in training, and fully licensed clinicians as they continue pursuing their educational and licensure goals—just as Sheila so passionately encouraged. Donations may be made by cash or check. Please make checks payable to Hope for a Better Tomorrow and include “Living Hope Fund” in the memo line. Donations may be mailed to:

Hope for a Better Tomorrow

2607 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite #110

Waukesha, WI 53188

The Ocean Conservancy: The Ocean Conservancy is a U.S.-based organization that works globally to protect oceanic biodiversity, to advance climate solutions and reduce ocean plastics. They seek to create a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. Donations can be made online at The Ocean Conservancy website. 

The Reef Guardians: Reef Guardians is a Kauai based conservancy organization with offices in Princeville, Kauai - Sheila’s second home - and in Santa Barbara, California. They seek to build awareness of Kauai’s valuable marine environment and focus on monitoring the health of our marine environment and educating tomorrow's ocean advocates. One of their current coral preservation projects is focused on Anini Beach, one of Sheila’s most beloved snorkeling sites. Donations can be made online at The Reef Guardians website.

Thank you for helping us to honor Sheila’s life and legacy. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr.Sheila, please visit our floral store.