Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Nell Dennis Obituary
Mayberry "Nell" Dennis, a local ballet teacher for many years, passed away Dec. 17 at the age of 85.
Born in Alameda, Calif., to Carl and Celia Nelson, she spent her early years in Livermore and Oakland, Calif. She married William "Bill" Dennis in April 1942. While her husband served in World War II, she lived in San Francisco. She worked for the San Francisco Examiner until 1953, while Bill attended San Francisco State. They settled in Alamo, Calif., where she began her career as a ballet instructor. In 1966 they moved to Benicia, where she owned and operated the Nell Dennis Studio of Dance until she retired in 1981. In the fall of 2004 they moved to Sacramento.
Nell was active in the Benicia Friends of the Library, was an avid reader, crossword puzzle enthusiast and gardener.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; son, Jeff Dennis, daughter-in-law, Kimberly, and grandsons, Kyle and Taylor Dennis of Benicia; and daughter, Julie Archer, son-in-law John, and grandsons Andy and Sean Archer of Sacramento.
Arrangements have been made through the Neptune Society and a celebration of life is planned for the spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nell Dennis
6 Entries
Janet Barton
January 2, 2007
Mrs. Dennis will always be a part of me. I took lessons from her (a long time ago!) from the time I could hold a small flashlight as a fairy until I managed toe shoes. I memorized the lines from "I'm a dancing poodle" and still remember all of the words! I still have my ballerina pins that Mrs. Dennis gave us every year. I learned more than dance from her. I learned how to work with others, how to practice, and how to become part of a whole story told in dance. I will always remember Mrs. Dennis. My sympathies to Mr. Dennis, Jeff, Julie, and their families.
Jennifer Brown
January 2, 2007
I was very saddened to learn that Mrs. Dennis had passed away. I have so many fond memories of dance lessons, and I learned so much from Mrs. Dennis! I hold her dear in my heart, as she was such a big part of my life. My favorite Mrs. Dennis quote: "Horses sweat, men perspire, but ladies GLOW!" Mr. Dennis - my love and prayers go out to you and your family. Warmest Regards,
nancy core
December 23, 2006
Such a lovely lady. My deepest
sympathy to Nell's family.
Carolyn Brown
December 22, 2006
Nell will always be remembered by us as a caring, loving and dedicated dancing teacher. I had so much fun taking our girls, Jennifer and Catherine to dancing lessons for years in your home. Our hearts and prayers go with Bill and the family.....God bless you all!
Carolyn, Bob, Jennifer and Catherine Brown
Judy Lavezzo-Kirby
December 22, 2006
Mrs. Dennis forever impacted my life as a little girl taking Ballet lessons from her in the 60's. I stay in contact with some of her other former students and in conversation she seems to come up so often. She will be dearly missed. My prayers go out to Bill,Jeff and Julie and their families.
Cara Foley
December 22, 2006
I am sorry to hear this, Mrs.Dennis Is a fond memorie of mine.I took Ballet from her for many years as a child..What a great Lady.My sympathy to her family..Cara Foley(Johnson)
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Nell Dennis's name
Memorial Events
for Nell Dennis
How to support Nell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Nell 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
