Sheila Dennis Obituary
Sheila A. Dennis passed away on January 27, 2026, after a long and fulfilling life.
Sheila Afflerbach was born on November 5, 1937, in Yoakum, TX - the youngest of seven children of Walter and Hilda Afflerbach. Sheila grew up in Yoakum, surrounded by a large and tight-knit family. She graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1955 and went on to attend Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antionio where she earned her degree in Education and Music. After college, Sheila accepted a position teaching in Giessen, Germany. While there, she met Melvin B. Dennis Jr., who was serving as a U.S. Army Officer. They enjoyed touring Europe and especially skiing in Germany and Austria. They became engaged and were married on September 25, 1965, in Yoakum. They moved to Seattle and started a family, bearing three sons over the next four years.
Sheila settled into family life as a devoted and caring mother. She created a wide social network through the neighborhood, church, and family. Sheila gave piano lessons to many children in the neighborhood and taught music full-time at St. Philomena school in Des Moines. In 1986, Mel & Sheila moved back to West Seattle. Sheila earned her master's degree from Lesley College, and taught music at Tyee High School and Mount View Elementary.
She was active with choirs and music for Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mount St. Vincent. Throughout their lives together, Mel & Sheila were active in the Catholic Church of Western Washington and in Marriage Encounter. Sheila was always active in the choir and played piano and organ for weekly mass and many events. She had a profound love for the Catholic Church and developed many long-time relationships through small faith groups and ministries.
Sheila was preceded in death by Melvin and is survived by her three sons Andrew (Nancy), John (Shelli), and Michael (Tracy), plus thirteen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 20th at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in West Seattle.
Please share memories & sign the guestbook located below.
www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/sheila-dennis
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3243 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, WA 98116
People and places connected with Sheila
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Dennis
Make a Donation
in Sheila Dennis's name
How to support Sheila's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sheila Dennis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
