Carolyn Jane (Smith) Sheehan, 93, beloved wife of the late Edward Sheehan, passed away peacefully at her Andover home on Sunday, April 22, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. Carolyn, known to family and friends as Jackie, was born on Wheeling Road in Andover on August 27, 1924 to the late William and Ethel (Pavalik) Smith. She was predeceased by her brother, William Smith and her step-sister, Ethel Krozel. She left the small town of Andover when she was two years old, after the untimely death of her mother. Jackie was raised in the Bronx, NY by her aunt and spent her formative years enjoying all that city life had to offer. When she was a teenager, her father remarried and Jackie and her brother moved back to Andover with their father. Jackie graduated from Windham High School and then worked in the employment office at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. She often regaled how she had to walk a mile down the road to meet her ride to work.
After spending her youth in the Bronx, moving to rural Andover was challenging. With no indoor plumbing, life was harder. But Jackie learned to love the country and found great pleasure in what it had to offer. She often took trips into Hartford to shop at G.Fox and enjoy the city activities; but she found her home and love in Andover, with Edward Sheehan. They married in 1947 on her 23rd birthday and settled in Andover, first on Andover Lake and then in the Wheeling Road home. Eddie’s mother, Anna, lived with them from the first day of the marriage and for the next thirty-five years. There, Jackie and Ed raised five children. For many years Jackie was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Hebron. She and Ed both taught their children the value of hard work and encouraged giving back to the community.
Jackie’s life was dedicated to her family. Although she had a few part-time jobs, her primary focus was her family and taking care of them. She loved to bake and host family meals and gatherings. Friends and family were always welcome and she was there to give everyone a big hug. “Have you eaten yet?” and “take something with you” were heard at each visit. Jackie and Ed also truly loved their grandchildren and took special joy in the time that they shared together. Overnight visits to grandma and grandpa’s house were a special treat. She had a special relationship with each of them and enjoyed engaging in their activities and interests, including attending annual dance recitals.
Reading was a passion and she visited the town library frequently. She loved to do cross stitch embroidery, knitting and crocheting. Jackie enjoyed vegetable and plant gardening and always had plants growing both inside and outside her home. She loved to listen to music from her youth and especially enjoyed sharing this with one of her special caregivers, who shared her passion. She loved to travel and enjoyed a special trip to Ireland with her husband and daughters. But no matter where they went they were always happy to return home.
Jackie was the beloved wife of Edward Sheehan for sixty-three years, until his death in 2010. She often spoke of being able to be with him again in Heaven. Prior to his passing, they moved to a new home, built on family land. Jackie missed all of the family and friends that had predeceased her but found new joy and friendships in her new caregivers. Jackie was always happy to see visitors and enjoyed watching the wildlife in her backyard, and her daytime game shows and The Golden Girls.
Jackie will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. She will be dearly missed by her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her and Eddie’s five adult children and their families: Carolyn Sheehan and Patricia Myers of Weare, NH; Joan M. Sheehan and son Ryan Purington of Manchester, CT; Michael and Joan Sheehan of Glastonbury, CT, and son Matt of Rochester, NY and daughter Katelyn of Salinas, CA; Nancy Sheehan of Andover, CT; John and Janet Sheehan of Coventry, CT, and daughters Elizabeth of Morristown, NJ, and Rebecca of Coventry, CT.
Jackie is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins, many of who came to pay their respects in her final days. A special note for her “unofficially” adopted daughters; Janet B., Laura, and Sue, whose love and ongoing support kept her heart young and cherished. Her longtime friends and her home caregivers held a special place in her heart. Our deepest gratitude to Sue, Laura, Danielle, Morgan and Megan. It was the wonderful care she received that allowed her to stay at home until her passing. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful care provided by the VNA/Hospice of Vernon.
Friends and family are invited to call at the Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT on Thursday, April 26th, from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Richard C. Allen, will be held on Friday April 27th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home where everyone is welcome to gather at 9:30am. Burial will be in Townsend Cemetery, Andover, CT following the service. In lieu of flowers, Jackie’s family requests that donations be made to the Andover Volunteer Fire Department, 11 School Road, Andover, CT 06232 or the Andover Public Library, 355 Route 6, Andover, CT 06232. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com
