Elaine Sheehy

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Former Staten Island resident Elaine Sheehy, 68, of Kinnelon, N.J., a retired elementary school teacher who was fond of travel and spending time with her family, died Wednesday in her sister's home in Larchmont, N.Y., after a seven-year battle with cancer.

Born Elaine Capelli, she lived in Grymes Hill until relocating to Kinnelon in 1992.

A graduate of St. Joseph Hill Academy, Mrs. Sheehy earned her bachelor's degree in liberal arts and a master's degree in education, both from the former Notre Dame College, Grymes Hill.

She taught elementary classes at PS 13 in Rosebank and PS 4 in Arden Heights for a total of 40 years, until retiring in 2002. She was a member of the United Federation of Teachers.

While living on the Island, she belonged to the Greenbelt Conservancy.

She and her late husband of 25 years, Kevin, who died in 2001, were passionate about fundraising for Wagner College and Tottenville High School, where he was a dedicated and much beloved teacher.

In Kinnelon, she was a member of the Smoke Rise Women's Group and volunteered at the public library in addition to supporting them financially.

Mrs. Sheehy was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing books with friends. She was also a loyal friend who was admired by her students and family.

She was a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, and will be missed by all who knew her, family said.

Mrs. Sheehy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Stapleton.

She is survived by her stepson, Kevin Jr., her brother, Andrew Capelli; her sister, Ann duMoulin, and one grandson.

The funeral service will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. Arrangements are being handled by Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners.