Sheila Ann Garcia
Celebrating the Life of

Sheila Ann Garcia

September 21, 1951 - April 07, 2024

Obituary

Sheila Ann Garcia (Schaaf) passed away on April 7, 2024, in Arlington, VA, at the age of 72. Sheila was born on September 21, 1951, in Washington, DC, to William and Mary. Sheila graduated with honors from Ohio University and subsequently obtained a Master's in Theology from De Sales School of Theology. She was married to Robert in 1975 at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, DC. Sheila dedicated nearly 25 years of her life to focusing on issues surrounding Marriage, Family Life, and Youth at the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB). Sheila traveled the country delivering speeches, appearing on radio shows, and publishing articles that reflected her passion for these causes. Her impact extended beyond her career, as she was known for her kind and caring nature. Described as a strong matriarch, she touched the lives of many with her charitable spirit and unwavering support. Sheila found great joy in spending time with her family, sons Matthew and Michael, grandchildren Jackson, Jemma, George, and Nora, and daughters-in-law Jamila and Jennifer, as well as her beloved cats Ernest and Dolley Madison. In her free time, Sheila enjoyed actively fostering and promoting cat adoption, following DC sports teams, and being a voracious reader. She truly cherished the moments with her grandchildren, sharing in their sports activities and creating lasting memories. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 15th, at 10 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church in Arlington, VA. The ceremony will be a tribute to Sheila's life and the impact she had on those around her. Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, VA, is assisting with the funeral arrangements. Sheila' s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Feline Foundation (https://ffgw.org/donate) or the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue (https://www.lostdogrescue.org/donate-now/).

Services

Reception

Monday April 15, 2024, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Eastern Time
Lyon Park Community Center Park 414 N Fillmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
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All are welcome to join after the Funeral Mass at Lyon Park Community Center Park. https://lyonpark....

Memorial Service (In-Person)

Monday April 15, 2024, 10:00 am - 11:00 am Eastern Time
5300 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22205
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Funeral Mass at St. Ann Catholic Church https://stannchurch.org/

Memories and Condolences

  • Our deepest sympathies to Sheila’s family. We knew her as a kind, gentle and funny person, both with cats and with people. We admired her willingness to take difficult cat fosters and to meet with potential cat adopters, especially taking on many remote calls during the pandemic. We know that Sheila...

    Amelia Capilongo
    Condolence

    Something that always struck me about Matt and Mike's mom was her strength and wit both of which her boys have in spades. All our love to the Garcia family & also a nod to a life lived full and a life lived well, full of compassion for others and her community writ large....

    John P Brady
    Condolence
  • We have known and loved Sheila since the days she was dating Bob, and we also were dating. Bob was fortunate to marry one of the most wonderful girls we knew. Laureen was honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. We are sorry we will not be able to attend the service due to a health appointmen...

    Laureen and Rich Kattula
    Condolence
    Photo shared by Bob Crossin

    Fr John and Sheila.

    Bob Crossin
    Memory
  • In celebration of a life so beautifully lived. Your vibrant memory lives on in gentle spirit on us. You will be missed. Love, The Saleh Family...

    The Saleh Family
    Memory

    I am writing in behalf of my late brother, Fr John Crossin, Sheila’s very good friend. Mike was so kind to contact me. Mike: ‘Friends are a gift from...

    Bob Crossin
    Memory
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Send Gifts and Donations

Make a donation to The Feline Foundation
Make a donation to The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue