Marie Sheehan's Obituary
Marie (Schmid) Sheehan passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at her home in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, surrounded by her seven loving children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy J. Sheehan, Jr. 11 days before her passing--the longest separation in their 65-year marriage.
Marie is survived by her loving sister Kathryn ‘Sissy’ Waldron, her brother-in-law Joseph McCollum and her sister-in-law, Sally Simmons and husband George Simmons. Marie leaves behind her children and their families: Marie Sheehan Boljen (Steve), Helen Sheehan (Otfried Niedermaier), Tim Sheehan (Lynn), Marty Sheehan (Sharon), Suzanne Sheehan Planas (Ramón), Maggie Sheehan Mnych (John), and Patrick Sheehan (Angela); grandchildren Erin, Catherine (Jason), Hannah (Steve), Kerstin, Ryan (Allie), Kylie, Patrick, Michael (Caroline), Christopher (Jaimee), Emily, Gabriel, Marielena, Olivia, Elizabeth, Nicole, Keegan and Molly, and Marie’s great-grandchildren, Liam, Joanie and Patrick. Her many nieces and nephews will also cherish memories of their Aunt Mimi.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Francis L. Schmid and Marie (Curley) Schmid and sisters Eileen (Bill) Burke, Patricia (Charlie) Day, Bernadette (Jim) Dougherty, Frances (Bill) Hagan, Teresa (Jim) Fox and Antoinette McCollum. In addition to her family, Marie also leaves behind her cherished sorority sisters from Little Flower High.Their enduring friendship was an endless support.
A graduate of Little Flower High School in Philadelphia, Marie began her professional life at Bethlehem Steel as an engineering tech. Not long after she passed the Civil Service Exam and qualified for a position overseas, but sacrificed that job to help her widowed mother handle the responsibilities of caring for her younger sisters. Although she deferred her dream of seeing the world until years later, she instilled her love of travel in her children and encouraged each to seek their dreams without regret. Marie also served as a volunteer on countless committees at her children’s schools and sports teams. She was PTA president and served on the parish council at St. Peter’s in Riverside. Additionally, she was a substitute teacher and worked as the principal’s executive assistant at Holy Cross High School.
The touchstone of Marie and Tim’s lives was a foundation dedicated to family, faith and friendship. Marie, fondly known as ‘Sarge,’ exemplified living her faith in action. She dedicated her life to raising her seven children with gusto, laughter, direction and improvisation. Marie wore many hats. She assisted her husband with his dental practice, and honed her limitless skills as an executive director, bookkeeper, nurse (with her Merck Manual at her side), teacher, editor, mentor, judge, cook, enforcer, referee, cheerleader, counselor and confidant. She always found a way to pick everyone up when the chips were down. Her home was a welcoming space, without judgement, open to all. There was always room at her dinner table for one more, whether it was food for the body or advice for the soul. Marie cherished her role as a ‘bonus mom’ and confidant to many of her children’s friends and neighbors, who appreciated her straightforward advice, tough love, acutely timed eye-rolls or side-eye, and keen sense of humor. Marie was loved deeply and feared occasionally. She will be remembered for loving with respect and dignity. Marie encouraged her children and grandchildren to ‘open their eyes’ to the world around them and to make an impact by putting others before themselves.
Marie was a voracious reader. Her ‘happy place’ was sipping coffee, reading her books, especially down the shore sitting near the water. Marie’s love of the ocean was nearly as legendary as her love of Smitty’s Clam Bar.
Marie persevered her entire life, overcoming great health obstacles. Her determination was exemplary of trusting in God’s plan for her. She was a fierce prayer warrior and cherished lifting others in prayer for specific needs and knew which Saint to direct her intentions. During her final days, Marie was comforted by praying with her seven children, her sister, and others by her bedside. Marie’s presence was larger than life. She was a force and support for all. When you find a penny in front of you, know her memory is with you.
Relatives and friends are invited to Marie and Tim’s Mass of Christian Burial at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 2500 Branch Pike, Cinnaminson, on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 10:30 am. A eulogy will begin before the Mass, at 10:20 am.
Masks, social distancing, and crowd restrictions will be followed. Marie and Tim’s Mass will be live streamed and can be accessed with this link:
https://my.gather.app/remember/timothy-and-marie-sheehan
Should there be any technical difficulties, the service will also be recorded and uploaded afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Providence House Domestic Violence Services, 595 Rancocas Road, Westampton, New Jersey 08060. Help them have a seat at our table.
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