Dorothy Elizabeth Sheehy

Family matriarch Dorothy Elizabeth Sheehy passed from this life to her eternal home with the Lord, Monday morning, February 23rd, 2009, with her loving family at her side. She had been under the loving care of the staff at Seneca Healthcare District's Long Term Care unit for the past year and one half. Born 86 years ago in Huntington Park, California to the late Jules and Flora Higelin on December 21st, 1922, Dorothy was raised and educated in Southern California. While attending a "Big Band" dance she met a handsome young gentleman named Donald Sheehy. As time went on their love for one another blossomed and the two were united in holy matrimony in Huntington Park on April 11th, 1942. Shortly after they were married Donald was sent overseas and before he returned the 1st of their 12 D's was born. Donald and Dorothy spent every summer traveling with their brood camping in Kings Canyon, Lake Tahoe and Bass Lake. In 1971 they discovered Lake Almanor and by 1975 they decided to make it their home. T''''hey moved from their long time home in Norco, CA to the hamlet of Clear Creek. Although still a city girl at heart, who enjoyed her stays in Southern California visiting her mom, two sisters, two brothers and many lifelong friends, Dorothy fell in love with her natural surroundings. She enjoyed taking daily walks and found great serenity in the beautiful sunsets of the area especially those over Lake Almanor. Dorothy's passion in life was her family. She was always there to support them both in good and bad times as a proud mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother. She was always at their side to give them her love and encouragement. For her love and devotion to her family she was named Westwood's 'Grandmother of the Year' in 1997. A devout member of the Roman Catholic faith, Dorothy regularly attended services at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Westwood. She was a longtime member of their altar society. Along with dancing, Dorothy enjoyed playing cards especially Pinochle & listening to her musically talented sons as they performed at different venues. She and Donald could be seen at local clubs dancing to the music of the 'Sheehy Bros.'. After Donald's passing in 1990, Dorothy continued her 'partying ways' with her friends, Olga Golden and Barbara Lee. In passing Dorothy leaves a legacy that includes her daughters; Dawn and husband Mike Davis of Santa Clara, CA, Diane Sheehy of Susanville, CA, Denise Palmquist of the Lake Almanor Peninsula, CA, Debra Sheehy of Westwood, CA, Doria and husband Tom Hupp of Chester, CA, sons; Daniel Sheehy of Anaheim, CA, David and wife Jodi Sheehy of New River, AZ, Douglas and wife Lynn Sheehy of Susanville, CA, Dean and wife Vicky Sheehy of Mt. Shasta, CA, Devin Sheehy of Westwood, CA, Dale and wife Lissa Sheehy of Grants Pass, OR, and Derek Sheehy of Clear Creek, CA, twenty-six grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Higelin and wife Dolores of Riverside, CA and sisters; Lucien Reisbeck of Corona, CA and Marcella Dolan and husband Tom of San Bernardino, CA, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Along with her parents Dorothy joins in her eternal home her loving husband; Donald who passed from this life in 1990, granddaughter Catherine Hutchinson, grandson; Daniel Hutchinson, great grandson C. J. Hockett and brother; Vaughn Higelin along with three son-in-laws Chris Palmquist, Daniel Carr and A.J. Hutchinson. A time of sharing and visitation will take place Sunday evening, March 1st, 2009 from 5:00-7:00PM at her beloved Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Westwood, CA. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will commence at 7:00 P.M. Sunday with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated for the repose of Dorothy's soul Monday 11:00 A.M., March 2nd, 2009 also at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at www.fehrmanmortuary.com. The family suggests any remembrances in Dorothy's memory be made to either Sierra Hospice or the Long Term Care Unit of Seneca Health Care District c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory P.O. Box 803 Greenville, CA 95947.