Sheila Ann Meenan Walters

Sheila Ann Meenan Walters, 94, of Homosassa, Florida, passed away on April 24, 2020.  Daughters Linda Ann and Virginia Eileen were at her side.  She was born to James and Thomasina Meenan on July 29, 1925 in New York.  In 1949, she married the late Philip Frederick Walters, Sr. (aka Ted Tappett), former WWII prisoner of war, race car champion and owner of Walters Auto Group in Hicksville, Long Island, New York. 

Sheila is survived by her six children: Linda Ann Grimes of Hickory, NC, Philip Frederick Walters, DDS, of Plainview, NY, Deborah Jane Reyman of Armonk, NY, Virginia Eileen Lewis of Apex, NC, Frederick Arthur Walters of Rikitea, French Polynesia, and Daniel Meenan Walters of Homosassa, Florida.  She is also survived by 8 grandchildren (Jason, Jennifer, Alexander, Sarah, Philip, Ryan, Brendan, Kerrin) and two great grandchildren (Maelie and Ronan.)

Sheila traveled the national and international auto racing circuit with Phil until he retired after an infamous crash at LeMans, France in 1955 which killed the driver and 80 onlookers in the stands.  Sheila was in the pit and heard the crash but didn’t witness it. They had three children at the time and decided a to pursue a different lifestyle.  Thus, after Phil retired from racing, Phil and Sheila opened one of the first Volkswagen dealerships in the United States eventually selling Porsches, Audis, Sterlings, and Volkswagens until they retired to Florida in 1991.  Sheila raised their six children while Phil ran the day-to-day business.  Phil passed in 2000.

Sheila was an accomplished horseback rider, skier, tennis player and actress.  She was a longtime member of Sagamore Yacht Club in Oyster Bay, Long Island and in later years an actress member of the Sagamore Players.  Sheila was a kind and loving mother and grandmother who was most appreciated for her generosity, her good humor, and a glass of Merlot at dinner.  She will be missed by all. 

She will be buried with her husband at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida and, after Covid-19 passes and life is back to normal, the family will get together with friends for a Catholic Mass and celebration of her life.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.