Margaret Gaffney Sheedy

Margaret Gaffney Sheedy, 8, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Friday, the 4th of July 2025, while a camper at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Though heartachingly missed by her loving parents, Ellen and Andrew Sheedy, and adoring brothers, Charles (“Charlie”) and William, there is comfort in knowing she skipped through the gates of Heaven with the same beaming smile and grace she displayed every day on Earth.

Born the 29th of July 2016, Margaret was immediately a shining light and special gift to all who knew her. With bright blue eyes that radiated happiness, Margaret gave so much love and kindness to those around her. She quickly endeared herself to anyone she met, adults and children alike. One of her greatest joys was being a friend – always inclusive, dependable, welcoming, and ready to giggle for hours. She brought kindness, creativity, and a touch of silliness to everyone’s day. Her self-assuredness, thoughtfulness, and independence at such a young age were inspiring – she knew exactly who she was and stayed true to herself.

A native Houstonian, Margaret attended St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool before starting pre-kindergarten at The Kinkaid School, where she was so excited to begin third grade this fall. Margaret bounced out of bed every morning ready to seize the day. At school, those who knew her happily received her warm hugs in the morning and cherished their sweet, thoughtful conversations with Margaret throughout the day. She was always eager to assist teachers in the classroom and was known for her willingness to lend a helping hand to all. Curious and persistent, Margaret loved a challenge, giving 100% to everything she pursued, whether learning a new concept in school or practicing her acting lines during recess. A kinder and more sincere friend and classmate would be difficult to find.

The many loving memories of Margaret’s friendships are superseded only by the love she shared with her family. The Sheedy home was blessed daily by the sounds of dancing footsteps and upbeat music emanating from her upstairs bedroom. Margaret began each morning with a perfectly prepared outfit laid out the night before, allowing her extra time to help her little brother get ready for school. Hours of trampoline jumping, swinging, puzzling and LEGO-building with Charlie and William, family movie nights (she was in it mostly for the popcorn), fiercely competitive games of Uno, and the nightly review of the day’s “highs and lows” at the dinner table are a small sliver of the beautiful memories her family will cherish.

Surrounded by an adoring, extended family, Margaret loved games of “left-right-center” with Nana and baking brownies with Kay, her beloved grandmothers. Times spent with her special group of girl cousins at Aunt Collie’s playhouse were particularly treasured. Recently, much of Margaret’s extended family had gathered with pride for her First Holy Communion at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, where Margaret’s faith had grown and blossomed.

In addition to her parents and siblings, Margaret is lovingly survived by her paternal grandparents, Ellen and Charles Sheedy, and her maternal grandparents, Kay and Dan English. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles Elizabeth and Matt Johnson, Elizabeth and Patrick Sheedy, Colleen Sheedy, Laura and Michael Pipkin, Dianne and Dan English, and Tara and Spencer English, as well as first cousins Ryan, Cate, and Clare Johnson, Charlotte and Caroline Sheedy, Michael, Annie, and Lizzy Pipkin, Dan and Sarah English, Mac, Thomas, and Elliott English.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 17th of July, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056 with a reception to follow at a location to be announced at the service.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family invites those who loved Margaret to consider making a contribution to the Margaret Gaffney Sheedy Memorial Fund by selecting the link below under "Donations", which has been established to honor Margaret’s legacy of kindness and friendship and will be used to support causes dear to her heart.