Sheila D McKendree

Sheila Doreen McKendree, age 77, of Rockville, MD and Apollo Beach, FL passed away peacefully at home with loving family by her side, on Sunday, September 15th, 2024. This brought her courageous 7-year journey through Alzheimer’s to an end.

Sheila joins her father Robert G Sweeney, and her mother, Teresa Alva Hughes Sweeney in eternal and peaceful rest. She is survived by her significant other of 33 years, Matthew Fox, her children Donald Ryberg, Tina McKendree, Robert McKendree, and step-daughter Heather Fox Epstein (Michael); granddaughters Tabitha Ryberg, Jordyn Epstein and Hailey Epstein; and two great-granddaughters. In addition, Sheila is survived by eight brothers and sisters: Robert Sweeney (Lynn Franklin), Phil Sweeney (Alexis Cacyuk), Colleen Ford (James), Kevin Sweeney, Karen Odock (Vincent), James Sweeney (Sheila), Terry Sweeney (Lyman Crosby), and Patti Sweeney (Joe Billingiere) and by 41 nieces and nephews and a loving extended circle of friends.

Sheila was born in Towanda, PA in 1947 and grew up in Binghamton, NY. After graduating high school she secured a position at the Pentagon and moved to Washington, DC. Married in 1968, she moved to PA and then would eventually return to her hometown of Binghamton to raise her children. Sheila secured a position with IBM in 1979, and in 1987 relocated back to the DC Metro area. Her division was sold to Lockheed Martin where she finished out 40 plus years of loyal service to the two companies. Retiring in 2012, Sheila and Matt made their new home in Apollo Beach, FL. They fit right into the laid-back beachy attitude of Apollo Beach, making many new friends. After long years of hard work, they jumped into retirement with both feet, spending relaxing lunches at the tiki bar overlooking Tampa Bay, traveling to Italy, and becoming avid “Cruisers.”

Sheila was known for her authenticity, kindness and big heart; for her love of animals (especially her beloved cats) and for her love of people. She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that friends wishing to honor Sheila make a donation in her name to The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

Memorial Service for Sheila D. McKendreeSunday, September 29, 2024Visitation10:00AM - 11:00AMFuneral Service11:00AM - 12:00PMDeVol Funeral Home - Maryland10 East Deer Park Dr.Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Immediately followed by a remembrance Luncheon at Mamma Lucia14921 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD 20850

A private burial service will be held for family on Monday, September 30th at 10am Final Interment will be at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg, MD