Obituary of Mary T. Sheehan

Mary T. (Burchill) Sheehan, 90, of Duxbury, died peacefully on January 5th, surrounded by her children. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Walter E. Sheehan, a retired MDC Police Officer, whom she married in 1955, and her daughter, Erin Sheehan Taggart, who preceded her in death.

Born on August 29, 1933, Mary spent her early years in West Roxbury, the eldest of eight siblings, where she cultivated the foundation for a life marked by love and family.  She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1950.Mary furthered her passion for caring by graduating from Saint Elizabeth's School of Nursing in 1953, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to the well-being of others. Mary held a variety of nursing leadership positions in the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health system. Her kindness and skill as a nurse left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have crossed her path. As a dedicated reader, she spent many cherished hours at Duxbury Beach immersed in a book.  Mary also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and knitting when she wasn’t chasing around her many grandchildren.

Mary loved her days in Duxbury on the sands of Duxbury Beach.  When she wasn’t soaking up the sun or collecting seashells that she would later turn into coveted mirrors or frames, she could be found amidst the aisles of the Duxbury Thrift Shop where she could hunt down the bargain of the century.  Mary loved to read and would voraciously read any genre of book.  Mary loved to knit and crochet, and her specialty was whipping up a Kelly-green shamrock that could be donned on your lapel leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.  Mary couldn’t sit still, she loved to garden, weeding was her therapy and her love for her hostas is apparent in her yard. Mary never turned down a request to watch her grandchildren and because of this developed an unbreakable bond with all of them. Mary could darn a sock, mend a hole, and replace a button with the skill of a seamstress. She was quick-witted, opinionated, and outspoken and lived life on her own terms.

Mary's legacy is best reflected by the family she leaves behind. Mary leaves behind ten children, twenty-four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, each a reflection of her commitment to family and enduring love. Mary is survived by her children, Maura (C.Barnes Davis) of Duxbury, Walter Jr. (Maureen) of Westfield, Sean (Cristina) of Duxbury, Dr. Siobhan Sheehan of Duxbury, Emmett (Susanna) of Duxbury, Padraic (Tracy) of Duxbury, Colin of Wellfleet, Liam (Nicole) of Norfolk, Deirdre (Friend Weiler) of Duxbury and Brighid (Brendan Wall) of Duxbury.  Mary is also survived by her siblings, Joan Connors of Arlington, William Burchill of Falmouth, Sam Burchill of Kingston, and Virginia Shannon of West Yarmouth.  In addition to her cherished grandchildren, Mary leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, Kingston, MA on Thursday, January 11th from 4 - 7:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home at 9:00 AM on Friday, January 12th with a funeral to follow at 10:00 AM, Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont Street, Duxbury, MA with burial at Mayflower Cemetery to follow.