Mary Jo Sheehy

Mary Jo Sheehy (Lynch) of Elgin, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026 in her home and surrounded with love by her family.

She was born in St. Louis Missouri, the daughter of William and Loretta (O’Reilly). She graduated from Columbus Hospital School of Nursing.

Mary Jo’s most profound joy was her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy of kindness and strength lives on through her 5 children and their spouses William (Karin), John (Kelly), Patrick (Stephanie), Michael (Debbie) and Catherine (Michael), her 12 grandchildren, and great grandson Henry, as well as her brothers William Lynch (Kathleen) and Richard Lynch (Mary).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. WIlliam Thomas Sheehy, her parents William and Loretta Lynch, and her sister Colleen Wyatt and brother Terry Lynch.

Mary Jo was a woman of remarkable warmth, spirit, and tireless energy. She was a dedicated advocate for community service believing deeply that a life well-lived was one lived in service to others. Her passion for volunteering was a calling; she spent decades giving her time to local organizations. She was the executive director and bereavement volunteer for Fox Valley Hospice (now Hands of Hope), a volunteer for Sherman Hospital Auxiliary for over 40 years, a member of PEO, Chapter DY and on the committee for Elgin Community College’s Purses With Purpose program.

She was a passionate gardener and a member of the Elgin Garden Club, she could often be found in the garden or on the golf course. She cherished the challenge and serenity of both endeavors and for the lifelong friendships that were forged with a common passion.

She touched countless lives walking alongside people through their journey with cancer. Her legacy will be remembered as teaching so many people living with cancer to “live their lives to the fullest”. She did her best to do the same.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 4, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Crane Rd. Campus, St. Charles.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 2-5 PM in the Laird Funeral Home, Elgin and again on Monday morning at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Fox Valley Hands of Hope, the charity of your choice or playing a round of golf in her honor— appreciating the view and the company, just as she did.

For information 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com