Sheila Budnick died on February 5, 2026 in Jupiter, FL at the age of 94.

Born Sheila May Popkin in Springfield, MA, the daughter of Gertrude and Jacob Popkin, she resided in Longmeadow, MA until 1993 when she and her husband Alan Budnick moved to Juno Beach, FL. They also had a residence in New London, CT.

She was a graduate of Northampton School for Girls and attended Wells College and Brandeis University. She and her husband Alan were fundraisers and construction coordinators for the former Heritage Academy building in Longmeadow. They were both heavily committed to many philanthropic endeavors in the local Jewish community as well as national and international causes. She was an active fundraiser for former Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson who was a family friend. From 1970-1980 she was personally involved in extricating emigrants out of the Soviet Union and integrating them into American society, working closely with Senator Ted Kennedy’s office. She served as PTA president at Heritage Academy and was chairperson of the United Jewish Welfare Fund Women’s Division in 1971 and 1973. For 10 years she also managed her father’s thoroughbred racing stable. An avid gardener, she was responsible for landscaping at her FL condo in addition to being secretary of the Board of Directors and liaison to the town of Juno Beach.

In her spare time she indulged in painting, composing rhymes, power walking, cooking and enjoying time with her grandchildren.

She is predeceased by Alan, her beloved husband of 50 years, and her daughter Susan Budnick. She leaves her son Adam and his wife Heather of New Canaan, CT, grandchildren Alexandra and Maxwell and beloved cousins descended from the Popkin families.

To honor Sheila’s dedication to Jewish causes, the family welcomes donations to the Popkin and Budnick Family Philanthropic Fund at the Jewish Endowment Foundation and Rachel’s Table.