Joan was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was not immune to the struggles of life. She was determined to turn her challenges into opportunities to learn and grow. Her approach to life was simple: surround yourself with family and kindred spirits; find something you love to do and do it often; keep yourself in the game even when the easier option may be to sit it out; make sure you take time to dance and - in her words - ‘enjoy this wonderful life’. Joan’s determination, resilience and eternal optimism is an inspiration to all who knew her.
Joan Katherine Waldron was born in Madison, NJ to Mary Gertrude (Huertas) and Daniel Kinsley Waldron. She attended St Vincent School and Bayley Ellard High School in Madison. After graduating high school, she attended the Katherine Gibbs School in Manhattan, eventually moving to the city full time and working at the advertising agency BBDO and later at CBS Television. In 1965, she married Philip (Skip) Sheehan and settled on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. In 1969, the family moved to Fair Haven, New Jersey where Joan would spend the next 18 years raising her four children. In the 1980s, Joan returned to college and the workforce, earning an associate’s degree, working as a paralegal and later at the admissions office of Rutgers University. She moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon in 1987 and spent the remainder of her life there, working at Oregon Health and Science University before retiring in 1998. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of graduating college in 1999, earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Portland State University at the age of 61.
Joan spent her retirement doing what she loved the most. She pursued her passion for writing and was published in The Oregonian as well as being a regular contributor to the ‘Jottings’ section of the Lake Oswego Review. She volunteered for groups that advocated for causes she believed in deeply, such as the American Association of University Women (AAUW). To her nine grandchildren, Joan was ‘Nana’ - she treasured each one of them and their unique personalities, talents and interests. She loved spending time with her friends, playing bunco, taking long walks, breaking bread and having a glass of wine. Joan’s family threw birthday celebrations for her that inspired some of her columns. She took vacations to NYC and the Jersey Shore, catching up with long time friends and spending days on the beach with her family. It was indeed a ‘wonderful life’ for all of us when we were with Joan / Mom / Nana.
Joan is survived by her children: Traci Sheehan Van Thull (Chris) of Coloma, CA, Rome Sheehan (Maria) of Brooklyn, NY, Susan Ferguson (Ted) of Portland, OR and Timothy Sheehan (Sarah) of Glenview, IL; her grandchildren: Mateo and Paul Van Thull, Julia and Layla Sheehan, Teddy, Emily, Ennis and Joe Ferguson, and Kate Sheehan; and her sister Mary Catizone (Sal) of Naples, FL. Joan also leaves an extended family of nieces, nephews and in-laws, and many dear friends. She will be missed dearly.
Joan’s Funeral Mass will be held on Monday May 23 at 11:00 AM at St. John Fisher, 4567 SW Nevada in Portland, followed by a reception at the same location. In lieu of flowers, Joan’s family suggests that you make a donation to Dress for Success Oregon (https://secure.givelively.org/donate/dress-for-success-of-oregon-inc).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peggpaxsonspringerfuneralhome.com
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