Joan M. Sheehan

Westmere- Joan M. Sheehan passed away peacefully just seven days shy of her 90th birthday at St. Peter's Hospital on Sunday morning, September 16, 2012.
Born September 23, 1922 in Albany to Mary & Walter J. Morrissey, Joan graduated from Academy of the Holy Names in Albany and attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany, before starting her career as an operator for the New York Telephone Co.
On June 5, 1943, she married Francis (Frank) Martin Sheehan, and began to dance her way through her beautiful life – quite literally – gracing dance floors far and wide. Joan and Frank were members of The Benedicts and Cotillion Dance Clubs for many years. Alongside her husband, Joan was instrumental in the creation and operation of a number of successful businesses, including Crest Inc. and Apex Printing.
If you didn't have the pleasure of knowing Joan, you're one of the few. Many would say she achieved celebrity status here in the Capital Region – greeted with open arms everywhere she went.
Well known for her colorful attire – from headbands to shoe clips – Joan was one of the most thoughtful, caring and generous people. She was an active member of Christ the King Parish in Albany, N.Y. as a lector, Eucharistic Minister and a member of the bereavement group.
Joan was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and friend to all. Survivors include her husband of nearly 70 years, her children, Robert and Cheryl (Darrah) Sheehan, Cindy (Sheehan) and William Kelleher, Stephen Sheehan, and Gregg Sheehan, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
A celebration of Joan's life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 19, in the chapel at Christ the King Church at 20 Sumter Ave., Albany. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Church, with burial immediately following at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.
Memorial contributions to Christ the King Church in Joan's name would be greatly appreciated.