The Honorable Barbara J "B.J." Sheedy

1942 - 2024

The Honorable Barbara J. "B.J." Sheedy
Waterbury, CT - The Honorable Barbara Joan "B.J." Sheedy, 81, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024 at The Village at East Farms. Born in Derby, CT, she was the daughter of Christopher Joseph Sheedy and Barbara Ellen Trant Sheedy.
B.J. began her educational journey at St. Francis of Assisi Grammar School in Naugatuck followed by Naugatuck High School (Class of 1960) where she was an academic star.
She delighted in being captain of the Naugatuck High School Cheerleaders and for many years thereafter would perform cartwheels upon request. B.J. was one of a few academically gifted high school seniors to be invited to UCONN at Storrs as a visiting high school scholar. She fell in love with UCONN where she completed her undergraduate degree in 1964.
Upon graduation, she pursued an educational career teaching English at Amity Regional School District in Woodbridge followed by a second career in educational publishing in New York City. Motivated to press past her limits, she enrolled in the UCONN School of Law evening division in 1976 while working full time. Upon graduation from law school, she joined the law firm of Gilhooly, McGrail & Carroll in New Haven where she quickly rose in the ranks to partnership in Gilhooly, McGrail, Carroll & Sheedy. No lawyer was more devoted to the legal profession than B.J. She often worked tirelessly into the wee hours of the night preparing for depositions, hearings and trials. As a formidable adversary, B.J. assured that no opposing counsel would be better prepared than she. She was a fighter who one grateful client described as a "force to be reckoned with."
A trailblazer for women attorneys in Connecticut, she was appointed as a Superior Court Judge in 1998 when women comprised only 16 percent of the Connecticut Court Bench. She was admired by colleagues and lawyers alike as a fair, exceptionally competent and thoughtful jurist commanding respect from all who appeared in court before her. Retiring from the bench in 2012, she remained a Judge Trial Referee for several years.
Always mindful of the importance of giving back to her community, she served on the board of directors of United Way and her alma mater, St. Francis of Assisi Grammar School. She established a legacy gift of college scholarships for academically gifted Naugatuck High School students in need of financial assistance.
Her family was of utmost importance in her life. She lived with and cared for her mother until she passed away in 2000. She adored her many nieces, nephews and their children and was an ardent fan and cheering spectator at their many sports events. Forever a fervent UCONN Men's and Women's basketball and Red Sox fan, she never missed a game or the chance to watch Jim Calhoun. B.J. was a voracious reader and loved visiting her second home on Cape Cod.
She will be lovingly remembered for her keen wit, generosity of spirit for family and friends, broad smile and stunning Irish blue eyes.
B.J. is survived by her eight nieces and nephews: Shawn Fitzgerald (Deborah), Christopher Sheedy (Valerie), Kelly Crone (Len), Maura Fitzgerald Moccaie (Christopher), Heather Sheedy (Michael), John Sheedy (Marley), Brendan Sheedy (Denise) and Kara Sheedy (Randy); her sisters-in-law, Louise, Joyce and Patricia Sheedy, and many grand nieces and nephews. B.J. is also survived by Rosemary Giuliano, with whom she shared a beautiful friendship lasting over
40 years.
Besides her mother, Barbara Ellen, to whom she was so devoted, B.J. is predeceased by her father, Christopher, her sister, Anne Fitzgerald, her twin, Gary, her brother, Christopher, twin brothers, Jerry and John, her brother-in-law, William Fitzgerald, her sister-in-law, Trudy and great-nephew, Ethan John Obar.
To celebrate B.J.'s extraordinary life and accomplishments, visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck.
The family extends their gratitude and appreciation to the Village at East Farms, Visiting Angels and AccentCare for giving B.J. the care, dignity and grace she so deserved. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Honorable B.J. Sheedy Scholarship Fund at the Connecticut Community Foundation. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.