Celebrating the Life of Berna Kelly Sheehan , a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt continues to bring warmth and light into the lives of all who know her.

Born on December 8, 1932, in the town of Tullamore, County Offaly, in the Republic of Ireland, Berna was the cherished daughter of John Kelly of Tullamore and Mary Hanly of Philadelphia.

She was raised in a big loving Irish family with four sisters and three brothers, Maura Higgins, Sister Josephine Kelly, Sean Kelly, Brendan Kelly, Eithne Houlihan, Ursula Kelly, and Dr. Oliver Kelly, who resides in Florida. Berna's was educated at Saint Vincent's Nursing School in Dublin, where she graduated as a nurse. Her compassionate spirit took her across Ireland and the UK, and eventually to the United States, where she continued her nursing career at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. Berna met Dr. John (Sean) Desmond Sheehan at a dance, while he was studying at medical school in Galway, Ireland.

They were united in marriage on September 12, 1959, at St. Steven's Catholic Church in Boston. Together, they built a life on Cape Cod in South Dennis. The two worked hard and nurtured a beautiful family of six children, Anne, Claire, Sean Jr, Brendan, Brian (d.) and Maeve (d.) how were the center of Berna's world. Her legacy continues through her five grandchildren, Greg, Maeve, Kevin, Kyle, and Fiona, and one great-grandchild, Coralie (Coco), all of whom brought immense joy to her life. Berna's stylish presence, warm demeanor, and unwavering ability to listen and guide others touched many lives.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers: Julianne, Nancy, Racquel, Monique, Renay and Sharon; Beacon hospice nurse, Henilma (Henny), and friends at Heatherwood and the community who have supported Berna. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in memory of Berna. Berna, a nurse, and her late husband, Dr. John "Sean" Sheehan, were deeply committed to helping others and, in particular, to supporting learning and continuing education for those pursuing careers in healthcare.

Gifts may be made in her name to the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, at P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02671. Gifts made in Berna's memory will support the Nursing Partnership Program, which helps educate and prepare future nurses to serve patients at Cape Cod Healthcare.

The family invites friends and loved ones to gather in celebration of Berna's life at 11:00 am on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at St. Pius the Tenth Church, located at Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA 02664. Interment at Oak Ridge Cemetery will be private. Her spirit lives on in each of us, a gentle reminder of a life well-lived and a love that will never fade.

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