Dr. Sheila M. Mahoney's Obituary
Dr. Sheila M. Mahoney, 90, of Methuen, MA, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at her home.
Born to the late Arthur M. and Helen E. (McCarthy) Mahoney, Sheila was a lifelong resident of the Merrimack Valley. She was educated in Lawrence schools and graduated from Newton Country Day School. Sheila went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. Her passion for education led her to further her studies at Harvard University, where she earned an E.D.M., followed by a Doctorate in Education (E.D.D.) from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Sheila dedicated her career to the field of education. A beloved professor of Early Childhood Education at Suffolk University, she had a profound impact on countless students over the decades. Prior to her tenure at Suffolk, Sheila taught at elementary schools in Andover and other communities, where she touched the lives of many young learners. She had a deep love for children and was known for her kindness, generosity, and dedication.
A proud daughter of Irish heritage, Sheila obtained Irish citizenship through her lineage and visited Ireland countless times. New York City was a second home to Sheila, where she pursued her love for art, fashion, theater, dining, and the vibrant cultural scene of the city.
Sheila’s legacy extends beyond her professional life. She was a devoted friend, showing genuine care and interest in the lives of those around her. Her friendships, spanning many decades, were a testament to the depth of her character and the joy she brought to others.
Sheila is survived by her cousins, Jill Tozier, Carl Journeay, Anna Tozier Cook, and Maria Tozier Joyce, as well as Nolan and Miles Cook and Ella Joyce. She was predeceased by her brother, James Mahoney.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at St. Lucy’s Church, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen, MA, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A burial will follow at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 29 Barker Street, Lawrence, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to Feeding America, P.O. Box 96749, Washington, DC 20090-6749, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101.
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