Patricia Sheehan

Patricia Sheehan February 1, 2016 Educator, Builder, Military Officer and Musician passes Patricia Sheehan, a noted scholar, educator, builder and musician passed away at The North La Costa Nursing Home in Carlsbad, California on February 1st, 2016.A long-time resident of La Mesa, Spring Valley and Ramona, Patricia grew up in La Mesa and attended and graduated from Grossmont High School at age 16 in 1950. She attended San Diego State University for two years, was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18. Less than six months later she was commissioned as a second lieutenant, becoming one of the Army's youngest woman ever commissioned as an officer. Patricia later entered the University of San Diego College for Women, graduating with academic honors and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Philosophy and a Masters of Arts degree in Education. She then accepted employment with the La Mesa Spring Valley School District for 26 years and earned five California teaching credentials while serving in a variety of capacities: elementary and junior high school teacher; summer school principal; librarian; and reading specialist. While teaching, Patricia developed an interest in construction and land development. She built, owned and managed a number of rental properties in the San Diego area. A talented musician who played the piano, organ, clarinet, and saxophone, Patricia wrote a number of musical plays for children and young adults. She also composed and wrote a well-known musical piece entitled "It's About Time" in honor of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) which was showcased and honored at the Women's Memorial Inaugurations in 1997 at Arlington Cemetery in the Nation's Capital. Patricia donated the words and music to the U.S. Army Band. Her survivors include her brother, Lt. Col. Brian Sheehan, USAF, ret., a lobbyist who lives in Virginia with his wife, Donna Olin Sheehan, and three nephews and their extended families. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fund for AnimalsRamona, California; or The National Cat Protection Society in Spring Valley California.