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 knew 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 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.) who 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 02601. 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. www.givetocchc.org

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. Funeral Mass will be live streamed.

My Dear Berna, I will miss you so much. You brought lots of happiness to myself and Dear Ray. Heatherwood will not be the same without you. Have a wonderful life in Heaven with Our Lord and Dear Dr. John. Many thanks for all your kindness and love. Fondly, Bernadette (Bernie) xoxo

To all the family, I send you my deepest condolences and sympathy. Berna was one of the kindest, caring, joyful and loving lady I have ever known. So gracious, interesting and always thinking of others. I loved visiting Cape Cod, the huge kitchen and play tennis outside. After many tennis Grand Slams we often called each other to discuss the match’s especially Pete Sampras and of course Roger and the Williams .We were also so lucky to have Sean and Berna visit us in Switzerland. One of my last memories of an Irish visit was visiting the National Art Gallery in Dublin. Sean and Berna loved it. Ursula too.From me, my family Max, Nick, Jessica and Numa, we send love, prayers so many beautiful memories and our doors are open over here like they were in Cape COD

My condolences to your family. I heard how Berna was an exceptional Mom and Grandma, as well as a kind person. May she rest in peace and may God Bless her soul. Moms make the world a better place, and they also make the world possible. She will be greatly missed.

So many memories and so many family BBQ’s. Our deep heartfelt condolences go out to all the Shehan family. Your mum and dad were such solid humans, such a strong friendship and kindred bond with our parents. I will for ever have memories of running around Fort Hill or the coastguard outer beach with all of you, and your parents being such loving people…Berna was, for me, the epitome of grace. So much dignity, love, wisdom and light heartedness; her smile and radiance is captured in my mind and heart. Wishing the whole Sheehan family love and healing. Many blessings, Hanna & Peter Cubra

Sincere condolences to Berna's children Anne, Claire, Sean and Brendan, brother Oliver, grandchildren Greg, Maeve, Kyle, Kevin, Fiona and great grandchild Coralie (Coco). You have lost someone special, not long after her hubby Sean. My memory of her was a person always with a smile, vivacious, and happy by nature. The last time I talked to her and Sean they were both enjoying time on the golf course. She left a legacy of someone who was kind and loving. She will not be forgotten by her many nieces and nephews back in Ireland, the UK, France and Switzerland. May she rest in peace and may all her family have fond memories of the good times in the sad weeks and months ahead.

My condolences to your family. I heard how Berna was an exceptional Mom and Grandma, as well as a kind person. May she rest in peace and may God Bless her soul. Moms make the world a better place, and they also make the world possible. She will be greatly missed.

It was truly an honor and a privilege to have cared for Berna. She was a lovely woman, and I will always be grateful for the time I had with her. Caring for her brought many special moments that I will remember fondly. I especially will remember how much she loved her hummingbirds and the joy they brought her. I hope that when you see a hummingbird, it brings back a beautiful memory of her and reminds you all of the love and kindness she shared. She will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to your entire family.

My condolences to your family. I heard how Berna was an exceptional Mom and Grandma, as well as a kind person. May she rest in peace and may God Bless her soul. Moms make the world a better place, and they also make the world possible. She will be greatly missed.

Oh,dear berna bee, the Queen! What a true honor and privilege it has been to be a part of her and her loving family's journey. Holding the family and all of the Queen's loved ones steadily in my heart and prayers. I will be watching for the humming birds!

GOD BLESS BERNA, A VERY SPECIAL & BEAUTIFUL LADY WHO WAS ALWAYS THERE ❤️ TO GIVE A HELPING HAND WITH HEALTHFUL ADVICE IF NEEDED. SHE IS HAPPY TO BE IN HEAVEN RESTING IN PEACE WITH JOHN. JOAN & ALLAN MINELLI

I would like give my condolences to Berna's family whom I got the great pleasure of meeting. Berna the "Queen" was very thoughtful and kind hearted and will be missed! May God continue to bless her family and carry on her legacy

For a beautiful woman whose physical attributes were exceeded only by her open heart and generous spirit. Berna always offered a warm hug and loving greeting. Birna took on our son Marc as her additional son with her offer of meals, encouragement and constant praise. She was a force whose soft lilting voice kept one captivated. The Fitzgerald family will forever have Birna, Doc Sheehan and the entire family in our hearts! Sending our lasting love. Brian, Maria , Marc, “Miss Kate” and Meghan