Denise Folliard Sheehan

Denise Folliard Sheehan died December 5, 2021, peacefully at Wilson Health Care Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. On March 3, 1941, she was born to the late Alphonsus and Dionysia Folliard in Bethesda, Maryland. She is survived by her brother Tom Folliard, her children Brian Sheehan (Lisa) of Bethesda, MD., Dennis Sheehan (Laura) of Bethesda, MD., Colleen Sheehan of Rockville, MD., and Moira Sheehan Hayward (Robbie) of Vienna, VA, and grandchildren Julia, Jack, Nicolas, Garrett, Erika, Ryan, Kennedy, Bridget, Grant, Ashton, and Chase. Denise is preceded in death by her sister Colette McInerney and brother, John Patrick Folliard.

Denise grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Denise’s summers were spent learning to play tennis at the Edgemoor Club. She graduated from The Academy of the Holy Cross in 1959. While at Holy Cross, she played basketball and was Vice President of her class. Denise went on to study to be a medical assistant at Georgetown Visitation Junior College. When she was young, her family would vacation in Bethany Beach, Delaware, a place she loved throughout her life. Denise would continue to enjoy Bethany Beach with her own family. The beach held a special place in her heart. Denise was a strong person. She endured a terrible sickness when she was young and completely recovered with no side effects. She showed her strength and grace through all she endured in her life.

After college, Denise got married and had four children, Brian, Dennis, Colleen, and Moira. She lived in Montgomery Village and was one of the original residents from the very beginning when Kettler Brothers built their first homes. While raising her children, Denise worked part-time in a doctor’s office as an assistant, and in 1986 Denise got her real estate license. First, selling new homes for Stanley Martin and then selling homes for Long and Foster. She was phenomenally successful at real estate and enjoyed helping people find their perfect home. Denise had a talent for interior decorating and loved to help her clients decorate their homes. She had so many skills and used them to help others, making her the happiest.

Denise was a people person. Anyone who met her was drawn to her infectious personality. She enjoyed being around her friends and family and loved having an enjoyable time. Denise played tennis and golf and loved to paint. Denise took many pictures in the hopes of painting them. Countless paintings are on display in her children's homes. Being active was an essential part of her life. She had endless energy that she poured into work, socializing and many hobbies. Denise encountered a lot of loss throughout her life and managed all of it with courage. On holidays, she enjoyed friends and family at her brother’s house. Denise was a helper. She used her energy and talent to volunteer for numerous organizations and freely gave her time to, Art League, Catholic Charities, and Montgomery Village Foundation.

Denise was an amazing daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend. She valued everyone's time and was a great listener. In retirement,

Denise enjoyed spending much of her free time with her grandchildren, attending school, sports, church events, and family celebrations. Denise was a genuine and compassionate

person, and it showed through her beautiful smile. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family and all who knew her.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wilson Health Care Center.

Friends may call at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 6900 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 on Friday March 11, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM where a Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association