Margaret M. Sheahen (1937 – 2026)

Margaret “Peggy” Sheahen of Victor, NY passed away at St. John’s Home on June 26, 2026, surrounded by her family.Peggy is preceded in death by parents Roger and Evelyn Sherman, brother Roger Sherman, and brother-in-law Lyle Bird.

She is survived by children Robert (Rosa) Sheahen, Mary (John) Underhill, Kathryn Watkins, Caroline (Will) Sheahen, and Jennifer (Anthony) Aiezza; former daughter-in-law Colleen Sheahen; grandchildren Abigail, Emily, Torin, Madelyn, and Evelyn; sisters Irene (Richard) Hayden and Jean Bird, brother William (Darleen) Sherman, and sister-in-law Zaunia Sherman.

Raised mainly in Stow, Ohio, Peggy was a bright, articulate, and creative child. She performed in school choirs and plays, and was co-editor of the high school newspaper. At the age of 21, she married Robert Sheahen and, after several moves, settled in Fairport, NY.

Following the birth of her last child, Peggy deepened her roots in the community by joining the Friends of the Fairport Public Library. Under her tenure as President of the Friends, the library transitioned from general book drives to organized, volunteer-driven sales, generating funds for additional library resources. She was also a member of the Monroe Community Hospital Auxiliary, recruiting volunteers to support the hospital’s long-term care patients,  and raising funds for patient recreation and equipment.

As a single mother, Peggy held a number of jobs to support her family. Versatile and dependable, she waitressed, managed restaurants and bars, and later built a career supporting business offices.

Those who knew her best, though, know that Peggy’s chosen work, and true passion, was her family. Throughout her life, Peggy remained deeply connected to her sisters and brothers. As the years passed, her siblings became her trusted listening post – with whom she could share her deepest thoughts, and seek a comforting word or quiet laugh.

Known affectionately as “Little Grandma”, she was happiest sharing life’s simple joys with her children and grandchildren – blueberry bagels, McDonald’s treats, and Campbell’s soup from the special stash in the trunk of her car; watching The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, Wallace and Gromit, and Max & Ruby together; making Perler bead creations, pom-poms, and hand-painted ornaments; singing “You Are My Sunshine” and “My Favorite Things” to the little ones; reading books, drying tears, applying band-aids, reminding everyone to “stay to the right, don’t pass”; and always looking ahead to the future together.

Peggy instilled in her children and grandchildren a love of reading and language, music, gardening and nature, animals, and the reward of creating with your hands. Her love, wisdom, humor, and strength will remain with us always.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 9 at 11:00 am in the All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY. Burial will take place at 12:00 pm. All are welcome to join a reception immediately following the burial (details will be shared at the chapel).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Feed the Children (feedthechildren.org) or Open Door Mission of Rochester (opendoormission.com).