Mary Jane Sheehy, 75, of North Haven passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital with her family by her side. Mary Jane was born to James and Jeane Feury Sheehy on April 21, 1947 in New Haven. She is survived by her loving sister Marion Sheehy and brother Denis, both of Cheshire. Additionally, she is survived by her nephews Michael of East Haven, Paul (Sheila) of Colorado and Christopher (Cheryl) of Rhode Island, several great nieces and nephews, her Godson Matthew (Sarah) Walsh of Weston, and many devoted friends. Mary Jane began her career in the New Haven Public Schools teaching history and becoming a guidance counselor. During her career she served as Director of Personnel in Stamford, Regional Commissioner of Vocational Education for the State of Connecticut, Assistant to the Commissioner of Education for the State of Connecticut, Assistant Superintendent in Meriden and Superintendent of Schools in North Haven where she remained until retiring in 2003. Mary Jane was a lifelong learner. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree, a sixth year diploma and a doctorate’s degree in 1985. In retirement she enjoyed traveling with her sister and friends, reading books, country music, dining out, New York Times crossword puzzles, Netflix and the New York Yankees. Mary Jane will be fondly remembered as a loving sister and aunt and a loyal and genuine friend who, at her best, was informative, intelligent and always entertaining.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to Mount Saint Peter Mausoleum, 219 New Haven Avenue, Derby on Wednesday, May 10th at 1:00 PM to attend a committal service. A memorial luncheon will be held in her honor at a later date. Family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Connecticut Food Bank, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492.
Mary Jane was such a wonderful and caring person. I’m so glad we were friends during her tenure at North Haven. She influenced and guided so many. My condolences to the family.
To Marion, Dennis and the entire family,
We as Mary Jane’s longtime staff in North Haven are so saddened upon hearing this news. What a terriic superintendent she was…full of information, full of inquisitiveness, and full of the devil!!!!!
A district leader who was visible, friendly, her own person, knowledgeable, warm, caring, interested and a friend to every school administrator, teacher parent, student and staff member. She never sweated the small stuff and didn’t get uptight about all of the minutia that goes along with being a school leader. So much I’d love to say to her but I think she knows how eternally grateful I am that she hired me for the principalship of the wonderful North Haven Middle School. Thanks for all of the good times and we as your friends and colleagues will cherish your memory, and your legacy, forever!!!!!
Dear Marion and family,
So very sorry to read the passing of this dynamic woman. Mary Jane was Intelligent, articulate, always thinking outside the box. She was quick whittled, caring and a passionate educator par excellence. I was a member of the Board of Education who selected Mary Jane as North Haven Superintendent and witnessed how consummate her talent was in that arena.
Happy to also be her realtor, but honored to be her friend..
With sincere sympathy,
Susan Candido Criscuolo
I had the pleasure of knowing Mary Jane when we shared educational experiences as
students and professionals in education. She was a wonderful friend and colleague.
Although passing from our lives now her spirit and friendship will always be with me,
and us Dan Stamper
Mary Jane commanded respect and admiration for her love of learning, empathy, and intellectual ability.
Her legacy will live on, but she will be greatly missed.
Radha and Sue offer our condolences to her family.
Dear Marion and family –
Words fail to express the sadness we felt in hearing of the passing of Mary Jane.
Rosanna and I both agree that Mary Jane was definitely an educator with a vision. She made such a positive difference in the lives of so many North Haven teachers, staff members, and students. We always found her views to be intelligent, interesting, and fair. How fortunate we were to have worked under her guidance!
On a personal and professional level, we will always be grateful for the support she gave to the North Haven World Language Department, Athletics, and the administrators. And, of course, we will cherish the memories of the fun get togethers we had with Mary Jane over the years. We are so glad that she even got to visit us on Cape Cod when we moved from Connecticut.
RIP dear friend!
Lou and Rosanna Preziosi
Mary Jane was one of the brightest and honorable school leaders I have known. She put students first, and made decisions based on her vast knowledge and wisdom,. Mary Jane was someone I put on a pedestal and will always be grateful for all she did to mentor and support me. She had the universal respect of those who knew her. I was honored to be in her administration and learn from her. I miss talking to her; I miss her sense of humor; I miss her.