Idena Margaret Sheehan

How fitting that our beloved Mom, Nana, Grandma, Gram, the Matriarch of the Sheehan family passed peacefully in her home on a sunny morning with her kitchen fully decorated in green on St. Patrick’s Day to join A.T. at a much better, COVID free, party.

Idena is survived by 5 children; Michael (Carol), Bob (Nancy), Shane, Kelly (James) and Shauna (Kevin); 13 grandchildren; Colleen and Mick, Colleen, Shawn and Tammy, Kate, Riley and Grady, Jesse and Luke, Emily, Spencer and Hayley, and 3 great grandchildren; Leif, Elle and James. Mom absolutely loved her family and made our happiness her priority.

Idena was born in Pembroke, Ontario where she was raised on the family farm. After completing business school, she worked at the Cobden SUN newspaper in the advertising department and met the love of her life (Al). In the late 1950’s they ventured out to BC, where, after a pit stop in the Okanagan and a few years in Burnaby, their real legacy began in North Vancouver at their beloved 864.

Their home and beautiful backyard was a place of many family gatherings, parties, social events and celebrations. Idena and A.T. had an open door policy, they were very inclusive, everyone was always welcome and loved. If someone unexpectedly showed up at their door at meal time, they just ‘threw an extra potato in the pot’. Their home was well known for good memories and many great stories.

Mom touched many lives with her generous spirit and keen mind. She was a courageous woman of substance, strength, hard work, patience and kindness. She was one in a million…

We have no doubt that Mom and Dad enjoyed a toast and a laugh together on St. Paddy’s Day!

We are so very grateful to have had them in our lives, and for all they have taught us about the importance of being ‘good’ people and a strong family. We miss them dearly and will hold them forever in our hearts. “Love you and you’re beautiful!”

An Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

A special thanks to Dr. Catherine Bazilli and Alison for their generous support. Thanks also to all of the OT’s, nurses (especially Nurse Neda), and Homecare Aids (Dora, Sung-Suk, Clarise, Lydia and Gilda), who came to the house, our thanks for the kindness that you showed our Mom.

We would also especially like to acknowledge Thelma and her sons, Cindy and Miguel and Lorna and Johnny, you were amazing and our Mom loved you.

Please feel free to share your precious moments and fun times on the First Memorial Funeral Services website (Boal Chapel, North Vancouver).

No service now due to COVID, but a celebration will be held in the backyard at 864, once it’s safe to do so.

Mom always had a soft spot in her heart for animals and the birds that sang daily in her garden, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local SPCA.