Josephine A. Sheehan, 96, of Westfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Overlook Medical Center.
Jo was born at home in Keyport to Tony and Marie Granata, growing up on a small farm and joining the cheerleading team as well as the basketball team at Keyport High School. She became an accomplished pianist at this time, and enjoyed playing for much of her life. She earned her B.S. in education from the New Jersey State Teacher’s College of Jersey City, which is also where she met the love of her life, WilliamF.Sheehan,agreat dancer with a “nice smile”. They married in 1952 and resided in Millburn, NJ, for a time, before settling in Westfield for seventy years.
A teacher and homemaker, she raised three children to great success, and taught at Millburn Junior High School for many years. Jo’s selfless service to her community was unstoppable to the end, from Rosary Society to Garden Club to College Woman’s Club, she could be found among the many residents of Westfield, offering support, wisdom, and a good story. Among her many accomplishments, she created Washington School’s first library with another member of the Westfield PTA, filling a need for the children as soon as she learned of it.
Josephine A. Sheehan
Beloved Mother, Grandmother Passes
Together with her parents, and later with her beloved husband Bill, Jo proudly traveled nearly every state in this union, often driving and enjoying nature’s beauty. It was a rare day for the phone not to ring with a friend wanting to tell Jo the latest about cousins or neighbors, or with an invitation to lunch, bridge, or a concert in the park. An avid crossword player, she knew exactly who to call for niche knowledge, asking friends and family about six-letter words and old movie titles. Every holiday was celebrated with joy and warmth, and of course some Italian dishes and a slice of cake at the end, and no one was happier if Michigan won a game.
Jo was predeceased in 2012 by her husband Bill, a decorated veteran and fellow teacher. She is survived by two sons, William A. Sheehan, Esq., of Williamstown, NJ, and Mark E. Sheehan of Garwood; a daughter, Susan Lee (David) of Malvern, PA; seven grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Kate and Victoria Sheehan, Clare Foster (Eric), Elizabeth Adams (Chris), and Michael, Carolyn andAlex Lee; and three darling great-grandchildren, Barrett and Sonny Foster and Charlotte Adams.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo’s name to St. Anne’s R.C. Church in Garwood, NJ, or to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
