Obituary of Emma Louise Sheffield

Emma Louise Sheffield, known as Louise, 79, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by loving family. She was a resident of Indialantic, Florida for 45 years. Louise was born in Baltimore, Maryland and she attended the University of Maryland, graduating in 1953. Later that year, she married Thomas Walker Sheffield in Baltimore, Maryland. Louise loved teaching and working with children. She was a 1st grade teacher in Baltimore, a 2nd grade teacher in Huntsville, Alabama, and then was a substitute teacher and library volunteer at Indialantic Elementary. She also volunteered as a Girl Scout leader. Louise was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. She had a vision to start a Christian preschool, and was director of Grace Lutheran Preschool for its first 3 years, from 1984-1987. Louise was also a wonderful artist. She has had her works on display at the Melbourne Art Museum and she made backdrops, props, and programs for dance performances. She was a shining light who was creative, loving and kind. Louise was predeceased by her parents Anna and Norman Pfannenstiel; and brothers Norman Pfannenstiel, Raymond Pfannenstiel and Robert Pfannenstiel. She is survived by her husband Thomas; daughter Carol Lynn Sheffield; son Michael Walker Sheffield and wife Dawn; daughter Leslie Ann Young and husband Joshua; granddaughters Genevieve Noel Young and Penelope Joy Young; brother Ralph Pfannenstiel and wife Maryann; sister Joanne Pfannenstiel; nieces Donna Brakebill, Deborah DallaTezza, Christine Pfannenstiel, Cathy McDermott, Mary Collins, Laura Pfannenstiel, Jeanette Gover, Stacey Williams, Diane Stigberg and Denise Stanley; and nephews Matthew Pfannenstiel, Raymond Pfannenstiel, Mark Pfannenstiel, Andrew Pfannenstiel and Ryan Stigberg. A gathering will be held from 9-10am with a funeral service to begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Beach Funeral Home, Indian Harbor Beach, with a graveside service to follow at Florida Memorial Garden in Rockledge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wuesthoff Hospice & Palliative Care.