Margaret Craig Sheehy

Margy Sheehy lived each day as if it were a gift. She developed a zest for travel as an Army brat, living at numerous Army posts, including Fort Monroe, Va.; Fort Sill, Okla.; and Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii, where she and her younger sister, Helen, attended The Punahou School. Punahou made a lasting impression on both sisters, who kept up with friends and school news long after the Craigs set sail for their next post.

Margy was later educated by the Society of the Sacred Heart nuns at Eden Hall and Newton College (now Boston College) and remained a deeply devoted Catholic all her life—while also becoming an equally devoted Democrat.

After earning a degree in early education, Margy found her “home” at Marin Montessori School, in Corte Madera, Calif., embracing and reveling in the philosophy of Marie Montessori. “Miss Margy”—as she was known to generations of students—guided each young mind with the utmost respect, cultivating self-motivated growth, promoting independence, building confidence, and encouraging social, cognitive, and emotional development. Margy’s unwavering devotion to her students established lifelong bonds with countless families.

Margy met the love of her life, Jack Sheehy, in San Francisco during the mid-1960s, and they married in 1969. Jack shared Margy’s wanderlust, and together they explored far reaches of the globe, a favorite destination being Ireland.

Their love story was cut short when Jack died of lung cancer in 1984 at age 47. While the quantity of years they shared on earth was limited, the quality of their time together was immeasurable. They reveled in each other’s company, sharing their love of travel, fine food, cross country skiing, and hiking; deep thirst for knowledge; and fascination with James Joyce and William Butler Yeats.

As a widow, Margy remained active. She was a true naturalist, a bird watcher, and an avid hiker; a member of the Congregation of Saint Anselm; and a patron of the opera, symphony, and ballet. Margy also adored Japanese culture and dabbled in Japanese brush painting.

Throughout her long illness, Margy remained her lovely, humorous, genuine, and cheerful self. When you were in her presence, you were her world.

Her signature salutations were “Leave me a secret message” on her answering machine, “Sláinte” (Gaelic for “Greetings”), and “Cheerio” to bid you ado.

So cheerio, Margy. Your family and friends will miss you beyond words, but will take comfort in knowing that you are once again with your beloved Jack.

Margy is survived by her siblings Helen Craig Lynch, Joseph Craig, and Peter Craig; nieces Caitlin Lynch, Genevieve DeBree, Meg Doyle, and Colleen Craig; and eight great-nieces and -nephews.

Donations in Margy’s memory can be made to Marin Montessori School (https://www.marinmontessori.org/) or The Marine Mammal Center (https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/)

A memorial service will take place in 2025.