Kathleen A. Sheehan

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Kathleen “Kay” A. Sheehan, of Smithtown,
announces her passing. Kay was the daughter of Eugene and Catherine (Galligan)
McKenna and the wife of the late Edward J. Sheehan. Kay was the loving mother of
Kevin (Debra), Brian (Louise), and Jean-Marie Walter (late Fred), loving sister of
Margaret (Bob) O’Neill, and the late Mary and Willie Connolly. She was Grandma and
Great Grandma to Ryan, Eric, Samantha, Jillyan, Cheryl, Brianna, Brandon, Cyan, and
Samuel. Kay touched the hearts of numerous nieces and nephews who were honored
to call her Aunt Kay.
Kathleen’s career of service started with the state of New York where she worked for
more than 30 years before retiring as a supervisor. Kay’s sense of community and
service led her to be part of many activities and leisure pursuits stemming from her
children’s interests, her heritage, faith, and keen sense of others. She volunteered with
Welcome Friends, the Smithtown Fire Department, Maria Regina, Landing Civic
Association, the Board of Elections, St. Patrick’s Parish (Newry, PA), Loaves and
Fishes, St. Joseph’s Parish, and other organizations throughout her life.
Her love of family, faith, and food always kept her busy with travelling not only to the
family homeland, but anywhere there was an opportunity. Her faith brought her comfort
and motivated her to serve others. She combined that calling with her love of cooking by
volunteering in community soup kitchens and food pantries, where she helped prepare,
distribute meals and assist those in need. Her zest for life and selflessness inspired
those around her. Her determination led her to become the oldest graduate to complete
the Suffolk County Citizens Police Academy, driven by a desire to stay active and
engaged during the winter months. Beyond her achievement, she enriched the
community by educating others about the many roles of the police officer, demonstrating
her commitment to service and understanding.
Her equanimity, grace, poise, empathy, selflessness, and just being Kay have touched so many
lives. She cherished her roles as mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, friend, and
neighbor- touching the hearts of all who knew her, just as they touched hers. As a family
member stated, “When someone is so intrinsically good, so deeply kind, of course that will leave
people aching after she passes.  All we can do is remember how lucky we are to have each
other: people that Aunt Kay loved, a tight-knit family, and her example to follow.”
In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made in honor of Kay to
organizations that reflect her sense of others:
Welcome Friends Soup Kitchen – P.O. Box 88 Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
welcomefriendssoupkitchen.com
St. Joseph's RC Church Restoration Project – 59 Church Street Kings Park, NY 11754
giving.myparishsoft.io
Smithtown Historical Society – 239 Middle Country Road Smithtown, NY 11787
www.bricksrus.com