Sheila Ann Gilibert Painter's Obituary
Sheila Ann Gilibert Painter was born on May 14, 1951, at Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, the cherished daughter of the late Lloyd Gilibert and late Eugenie Cox Gilibert, and beloved sister to the late Sandra “Sandy” Gilibert Haase.
She married the love of her life, Dennis Painter, and together they shared an extraordinarily happy marriage of 53 years. Sheila often said she was blessed beyond measure in her marriage, and those who knew them could see that their love was genuine, steady, and joyful. She was especially proud to join the large, gregarious Painter family, embracing every cousin, aunt, uncle, in-law, and extended relative as her own.
Sheila shared a special, lifelong bond with her beloved sister, Sandra “Sandy” Gilibert Haase, who preceded her in death. Sheila loved Sandy dearly and spoke of her often and fondly. She missed her deeply, carried her in her heart always, and was immensely proud of the woman her sister was. Their connection remained strong throughout Sheila’s life, and Sandy’s memory was a source of life, comfort, and joy to her.
Raised in Kenner, Louisiana, Sheila grew up grounded in the Catholic faith, family, and community. A devout Catholic from an early age, she attended, the all-girls, Sacred Heart High School on Canal Street, where her natural beauty and radiant spirit were unmistakable. She was voted both Best Personality and Most Beautiful by her senior class—honors that perfectly reflected her outer grace and inner warmth. She remained close with her high school girlfriends and still regularly met up with them.
Sheila possessed a natural talent for hair, makeup, and making people feel beautiful. Her skill and dedication earned her a full scholarship to John Jay Beauty College, where she studied under John Jay himself. Graduating at the top of her class, she was offered the opportunity to open and manage a new John Jay salon on St. Charles Avenue. With characteristic wisdom and heart, Sheila chose a different path—one centered on love, family, and faith.
Dennis and Sheila settled in LaPlace, Louisiana, where they raised their two children, Dawn Michelle Painter and, almost exactly three years later, Dwane Paul Painter came along. Sheila delighted in telling anyone who would listen—more than a thousand times—that she felt incredibly blessed to have both a daughter and a son. Her life revolved around her family, and she poured herself fully into her children’s world.
Sheila was deeply involved in their schools and parish life. She served as PTA president, room mom, and was instrumental in helping establish Ascension of Our Lord Church. She also remained extremely active at St. Joan of Arc Church through ministry and the creation of church- and community-based events. Faith was not just something Sheila practiced—it was something she lived.
For over 45 years, Dennis and Sheila made their home in the Riverlands subdivision of LaPlace, where they formed lifelong friendships, many of which became family in every way that mattered (Corey!!!). Sheila loved hosting visitors and treasured time spent with loved ones. Some of the family’s fondest memories were trips to the Gonzales and Prairieville area—affectionately known as “the country”—where they joyfully house-hopped between cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws, soaking in laughter, stories, and togetherness.
Sheila was also a devoted, small business owner. Part of the garage was closed in and lovingly built by Dennis, and she opened Sheila’s Shear Shop, where she worked for nearly 30 years before gradually retiring. Her shop was more than a place for hair—it was a gathering space filled with conversation, friendship, and care.
In later years, Sheila and Dennis moved to Loranger to begin a new chapter of life, settling next door to her childhood friends. There, Sheila quickly built another close-knit circle through her beloved hobby of quilting. An avid gardener, she was known for her breathtaking gardens— in front and back of her house—in both LaPlace and Loranger, filling her surroundings with beauty, color, and life.
Above all else, Sheila absolutely adored her grandchildren, Noelle and Beau Bordelon—an understatement of the century. She and Dennis planned countless outings, activities, and special moments to make sure every second with them was meaningful and joy-filled. She never did heed warnings about “too many presents,” often cleverly placing multiple gifts inside one box to make it look like just one.
Sheila embraced her son-in-law, Mark Bordelon, as the very best, and nothing brought her greater peace than knowing her daughter Dawn had found such a loving partner. She was equally overjoyed that her son Dwane found his life partner in Kelly Pavoni Painter, whom she felt was the perfect complement to him.
Sheila Gilibert Painter lived a life rooted in faith, enriched by family, and defined by love, generosity, beauty, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, laughter, creativity, and grace that will continue to bloom—much like her gardens—in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
May she rest in eternal peace, welcomed home by those who have gone before her, and held forever in the loving arms of God.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington LA 70433 on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation on Friday beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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