Shirley A. Schleman

April 13, 1939 - December 7, 2011

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and friend to all

Her Story

Born in Deale, Maryland, Shirley was one of eight children who grew up with a strong sense of family and community. She spent 56 wonderful years married to Leslie J. Schleman, and together they built a life centered around family, business, and helping others.


Shirley was known as a very strong woman who could take charge of any situation. She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel like family, whether they were boarding horses at her stables or neighbors on 119th Avenue in Lutz.

Business Legacy

  • Brandywine Stables (32 years)
    Owned and operated beloved equestrian facility where she held summer riding camps with her daughters. Many riders considered the Schleman family their "second family."
  • Schleman Plumbing Service Company
    Became president and owner after closing the stables, continuing the family business that has served Tampa Bay since 1955. The company continues today at 14929 North Nebraska Avenue in Tampa.
Anyone that knew her knew she loved working in her yard which became a haven for butterflies, birds, ducks, deer and an occasional stray cat or dog, that immediately became part of the family.
From her memorial service

Life on 119th Avenue

The Schleman family lived on 119th Avenue in Lutz, where Shirley became the heart of a close-knit neighborhood community. Families like the Wheelers, Galle family, and Ballards grew up alongside the Schleman girls, creating lifelong bonds.


Her home and property became a gathering place where children learned responsibility through caring for horses, and where everyone was welcomed with open arms.

The Horse Community

For over three decades, Brandywine Stables was more than just a riding facility - it was a place where lifelong friendships were formed and valuable life lessons were learned. Located on their property on 119th Avenue, the stables became a beloved gathering place for the equestrian community.


Shirley organized birthday parties for the veterinarians with "The Hole in the Wall Gang," hosted countless summer camps, and created an environment where young people learned not just about horses, but about caring for something beyond themselves. Many credited her with shaping who they became as adults.

Family

Husband

Leslie J. Schleman (married 56 years)

Daughters

Cindy Jones, Sharon Wild, Kathy Lloyd, Esther Schleman, and Leslie Barton

Grandchildren

13 grandchildren who were the light of her eyes (10 at the time of her passing, 3 born since)

Great-Grandchildren

5 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy

Siblings

3 brothers and 5 sisters, including her traveling companion sister Mary Ellen

Memories from Those Who Knew Her

"I was a boarder at Brandywine Stables for 18 years and felt like a part of their family. I made a lot of friends at Brandywine and still reminisce about all the fun times we shared."
Former boarder
"I owe Shirley everything I know about horses. I will forever be grateful to her and her girls for touching me and my children's lives every time we get on our horses."
Former student
"From a very young age I learned how to ride horses and care for something other than myself. It stands as one of the best memories in my life. I thank her for knowing who she was because it helped me become who I am."
Family member
"Shirley was one of our most thoughtful and loyal clients. We will always remember the birthday party for us organized by Shirley and The Hole in the Wall Gang."
Brandywine veterinarians
"My childhood was wonderful because of Shirley, her daughters and the other boarders, they became my second family. Thank you Shirley for your great presence in my life."
Harlo Jones
"I have so many stories I could tell. I could write a book. You will truly be missed. I will always remember the good times at the barn."
Long-time friend

Her Passions

  • Gardening & Wildlife
    Created a backyard sanctuary that attracted butterflies, birds, ducks, and deer
  • Travel
    Enjoyed traveling the country and abroad with Leslie, sister Mary Ellen, and brother-in-law Bob
  • Teaching & Mentoring
    Guided countless young people through horse camps and life lessons
  • Animal Rescue
    Always ready to welcome stray animals who immediately became part of the family

Life Timeline

1939
Born in Deale, Maryland as one of eight children
1955
Married Leslie J. Schleman, beginning 56 years of partnership
1960s-1990s
Owned and operated Brandywine Stables for 32 years on 119th Avenue in Lutz
1990s-2011
President and owner of Schleman Plumbing Service Company
December 7, 2011
Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by Leslie and her daughters