We Say Goodbye to Sr. M. Annette Sheaffer

Sister M. Annette Sheaffer, OP, a Dominican Sister for 68 years whose teaching ministry spanned more than six decades and touched countless lives across Northern California, died peacefully surrounded by her family and her Dominican Sisters on Sunday, February 8, 2026. A gifted educator, devoted sister and daughter, and a woman of deep kindness and quiet joy, Sister Annette leaves a legacy of faith, learning, and compassion.

Born Jeanne Anne to parents Edwin K. Sheaffer and Nell M. Fields Sheaffer in Stockton, California, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, which was staffed by Dominican Sisters. As the years went by, she came to consider Vallejo her true home since her family moved there when she and her older siblings, Judy and Ed, were young children; her younger siblings Janell and John were born later. Jeanne was a proud member and Valedictorian of the Class of 1955 of St. Vincent High School in Vallejo, where the Dominican Sisters—especially Sister Gregory Lucy and Sister Kathryn (Luke) Steger—first inspired her to consider religious life. Honoring her parents’ wishes, Jeanne attended Dominican College for one year before entering the novitiate.

In 1957, she became Sister M. Annette and later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English along with a Standard Elementary Teaching Credential. At her final profession, she chose the ring motto Caritas, accompanied by the insignia of the cross—a word and symbol she would faithfully live throughout her life.

Sister Annette’s ministry in education unfolded over more than sixty years and across a wide range of geographic and social contexts. She served with distinction as principal at both Sacred Heart School and San Domenico, and later at her beloved St. Dominic’s. Sister Annette cherished the challenge of creating nurturing, family-like school environments—whether for multiethnic children growing up amid the noise and hardship of San Francisco’s inner city or for students in the quieter, suburban surroundings of Marin. In every setting, she was known for her collaborative leadership, creativity, tireless work ethic, and her ability to truly connect with young people.

In 1980, Sister Annette was appointed Director of Formation for the congregation. After a year of preparation in Colorado, she served in this role for four years, after which she returned joyfully to the classroom and later to school leadership.

Her life also reflected deep familial devotion. When her mother’s health declined, Sister Annette moved to Salinas to help care for her; she also remained there to care for her father, teaching at Sacred Heart School in nearby Hollister during those years. After her father died in 2003, she resumed teaching at St. Michael’s in Livermore. She later returned to St. Dominic’s—by then Megan Furth Academy, later Mission Dolores Academy—where she served until 2023. In her later years, though retired from classroom teaching, she continued to plan weekly student body Masses and other liturgical celebrations, a ministry she cherished.

An English major by training, Sister Annette had a lifelong love of reading and learning and was always eager to discover new ways to engage children. She was known for her creativity, her collaborative spirit, and her belief that education was both a sacred trust and a shared endeavor. Personally, she was remembered for her loyalty—to Vallejo, to family, and to community—her generosity (including her memorable sharing of Schilling spices through family connections), and her readiness to stop everything for a sister or family member in need.

Sister Annette will be remembered as friendly, congenial, and deeply kind—quick with a beautiful smile or a gentle word that made community life lighter and more joyful. Sister Annette’s long life of service stands as a testament to Caritas—love made visible through teaching, leadership, family devotion, and daily acts of grace. She will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

Sister Annette is predeceased by her parents, Nell and Edwin Sheaffer, her sister Janell June Anderson, and two nephews—Tim Cook and Tim Sheaffer. She is survived by her sister, Judy Cook; her brothers, Edwin K. Sheaffer III and John Mark Sheaffer; eight nieces and nephews; eleven grandnieces and nephews; nine great-grandnieces and nephews; and by her Dominican Sisters.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on February 27, 2026, at the Gathering Space of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael (1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901) at 11:00 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be followed by a light lunch. Sister Annette will be buried in St. Dominic’s Cemetery in Benicia around 2:00 pm. All are welcome.

Memorial gifts in Sister Annette’s honor may be made to the Care of the Senior Sisters Fund, Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Advancement Office, 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901, or online.

Zoom Funeral Information:

Funeral Service for Sr Annette Sheaffer
Time: Feb 27, 2026 10:45 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84986741888

Meeting ID: 849 8674 1888

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Ministries

Education

• St. Leander School, San Leandro 1959-1962 (Teacher, Grade 3)
• Sacred Heart School, San Francisco 1962-1967 (Teacher, Grades 5, 7)
• Sacred Heart School, San Francisco 1967-1973 (Principal)
• St. Michael School, Livermore 1973-1976 (Teacher, Grade 6)
• San Domenico Lower School, San Anselmo 1976-1979 (Principal)
• St. Dominic School, San Francisco 1984-1987 (Teacher)
• St. Dominic School, San Francisco 1987-1993 (Principal)
• St. Michael School, Livermore 1993-1996 (Teacher)
• St. Dominic School, San Francisco 1996-1998 (Vice Principal; Teacher, Grade 6)
• Sacred Heart School, Hollister 1998-2002 (Teacher, Grade 4)
• Madonna Del Sasso School, Salinas 2002-2003 (Librarian; Teacher, Grade 6)
• St. Michael School, Livermore 2003-2007 (Teacher)
• Megan Furth Academy, San Francisco 2007-2011 (Religious Education; Liturgy Coordinator)
• Mission Dolores Academy San Francisco 2011-2023 (Religious Education; Liturgy Coordinator)

Congregation

• Director of Formation 1980-1984