Marilyn Jane Sheahan

Marilyn Jane Sheahan passed away in the early morning on December 28, 2023 at the age of 83. Marilyn was born in Kingman, Kansas on October 15, 1940 to Leo and Helen Idel Wagner. The third born of five, Marilyn often cared for her younger brothers who came to see her as a second mom. Growing up in Kansas filled her with pride and she would often be heard telling stories about growing up on the farm.

After completing high school, Marilyn went on to Marymount College for one year. A lifelong learner, she continued her education at Metro Community College in Denver and later achieved an associate’s degree in business administration from Austin Community College. Throughout her career, Marilyn worked in litigation support as a legal secretary and also did market research. Later she would do the accounting and many other tasks associated with running her and her husband’s business, Sheahan Self Storage, for many years.

While she found great value in her work, her true passion was her family. Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Dennis Sheahan, on July 9, 1960 and they took residence in Wichita, Kansas. Over the next five years they would welcome three beloved daughters, Teresa, Karen, and Denise. Marilyn was always active and made sure her daughters were too, staying busy with crafts, activities, and time well spent together. She was involved as a parent in Blue Birds, 4-H, and Camp Fire Girls. More than anything she wanted her girls to have a variety of opportunities and experiences, so she provided extensive lessons and involvement in sports, arts, music, and dance. This sense of adventure and a heart for learning extended into the family’s travels. Wherever they would go, Marilyn would research the historical and scenic points of interest and go far out of her way to give hands-on exposure to history, geography, culture, and a healthy dose of family fun.

If you got to know Marilyn, it wouldn’t take long to notice her carefree and enthusiastic approach to life. Her family would come to call her a Sheahanigator, as she was always ready to have a little fun. The mischievous glint in her eyes and smile accompanied with a light-hearted chuckle always indicated she was up to something. She kept a smile on everyone's faces with her silliness and there was very rarely a get-together that did not involve party hats and other party attire. Marilyn never ceased to welcome any and all into her home, she made everyone feel cherished, loved and capable of accomplishing anything. She was the number one fan for her children and grandchildren, always hyping them up and letting them know how amazing they were. She wasn’t just a mother and grandmother, but a true best friend to all.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Helen Idel Wagner, brother Don Wagner, husband, Dennis Sheahan and daughter, Karen Sheahan. Marilyn is survived by her sister, Barbara Youngers (husband Del Youngers), brothers Bill Wagner (wife Barb Wagner) and John Wagner. Marilyn is also survived by her daughters Teresa Sligh (husband Scott Sligh) and Denise Bell (husband Eric Bell), grandchildren Michael Bell (wife Jeane Bell), Melissa Byrne (husband Michael Byrne), Kyle Bell (wife Kristyna Bell), Serena Sligh, Andrew Sligh and Ashlyn Traylor (fiance Jonah Rivera), great-grandchildren Derric Bell, Olivia Rivera, Lydia Bell, Marilyn Bell and many other beloved family members and friends.

A memorial service for Marilyn will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, 9700 Anderson Mill Rd. Austin, Texas 78750.