HELEN SHEEHY

1929 - 2021

SHEEHY Helen Marie McKenna Sheehy Helen Marie Mckenna Sheehy, of McLean, VA, passed away Saturday November 27, 2021, at the age of 92. She was born on June 15, 1929, in Providence, RI to John McKenna and Georgia Wilson McKenna. When Helen was three, her father left the family due to struggles caused by the Depression. Her mother moved Helen and her older brother, Jack, to Flushing, NY. Shortly thereafter, her family relocated to their native Maryland, where Helen was surrounded by the love of a large extended family, spending time on their Wilson family farm in Landover, MD. Helen attended St. Mary's Academy in Leonardtown, MD, then boarded for high school at Visitation in Frederick, MD where she was valedictorian and an accomplished violinist. She studied medical science and played tennis at Georgetown Visitation Junior College in Washington, DC, graduating in 1949. After Visitation, Helen worked for the State Department and soon after was assigned to work in the Office of the U.S. Air Force attaché in Ankara, Turkey. She spoke and wrote extensively of her adventures there-her love of travel had begun. Helen returned to Washington and married Vincent Sheehy in 1954. They settled in Bethesda, MD where they raised their five children within the St. Bartholomew Catholic community. After Helen and Vince moved to McLean, VA, they were parishioners at St. Luke's Catholic Church. They also spent considerable time in Colorado where she enjoyed music, cooking and hosting family and friends. Vincent and Helen were avid travelers, never staying in one place for long. Helen was a devout Catholic, and she was loved, respected, and admired by her family and friends. Her laughter was infectious, and her warmth and kindness were like no other. Helen was a wonderful cook, the consummate party hostess, and managed her large family with grace. Helen remained connected to and generously supported Georgetown Visitation and its monastery. She also supported Gonzaga College High School, the Washington Opera, Summer Opera, and the Vail Valley Foundation, among others. Helen is survived by her five children, Vincent (Mimi) Sheehy, Patricia (Geoff) Malloy, Paul (Nicky) Sheehy, Betsy Sheehy, Ann (Brand) Fowler; 15 grandchildren, Kathleen (Joe), Vince (Gillian), Kevin, Geoffrey, Julia, Catherine, Andrew, Patrick, Owen, Emily, Alex, Caroline, Maggie, Kirby, Freddy; and a great granddaughter Ellie. Helen was preceded in death by her mother Georgia; her brother John; and her beloved husband Vincent of 62 years. The family will celebrate a private mass of Christian Burial at Georgetown Visitation. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her honor to the Georgetown Visitation Partner Program, Attn. Development Office, 1524 Thirty-fifth St. NW, Washington, DC 20007-2785. Please view and sign the family's online guestbook at: www.devolfuneralhome.comwww.devolfuneralhome.com