Obituary: Sheahan, Jean Norene
Age 84
(Age 84)
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away peacefully on March 26, 2012.
Jean was born on May 30, 1927 in Colfax, Washington.
She graduated high school in Oakesdale, Washington.
She went on to nurse’s training where one of her true loves was caring for the sick and injured.
However, she chose to set aside her nursing to marry Patrick Phalon and pioneered Browns Mountain in Spokane.
They had four children, Sally Jo (Steve) Lloyd, Timothy Sullivan (Patti) Phalon, Connie Edith (Dave) Langman, and Patrick Kerry Phalon, deceased on July 11, 1966.
Jean was very active in her children’s education, helping to start the PTG, active in the PTA, and baking hundreds of cookies as a room-mother.
After raising her four children, Jean went back to finish her nurse’s training and graduated in 1972 with honors from Sacred Heart School of Nursing.
In 1975 she married Ray Sheahan, her high school sweetheart, adding two more children, Michael Ray (Dotty) Sheahan and Gail Lynn (Bob) Bell.
Enjoying life on their ranch in Othello, Washington, Jean and Ray raised Simmental cattle, enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, and entertaining family and friends.
During this time, Jean taught at the high school and worked at the local hospital.
After retiring from ranching, they joined the Peace Corps where their experience in nursing and teaching was invaluable to the small country of Tunisia.
Jean was a caring, giving, loving person with a beautiful smile.
We will miss her listening ear and offer of a band aid along with a cookie from the cookie jar.
Most of all we will miss her unconditional love.
Jean is survived by her husband Ray; five children, nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Jean was also preceded in death by her grandchild Kristopher Cody Bell in March, 1991.
Even though we love our mother dearly, upon her request, there will be no service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery at 1004 E. 8th, Spokane, WA 99202.
Mom, we will always miss our long walks and shared stories.