Susan Gail Sheehan
Sept. 23, 1941-July 19, 2015
Woodside, California
Woodside lost a long-time resident and ardent equestrian community advocate with the recent passing of Sue Sheehan, and her friends and family lost a compassionate, caring and giving loved one.
Sue was a true friend to those who knew her, and to those who didn?t?she was always welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and helpful. Her passions were helping people, horses and animals, skiing, traveling, her niece/nephews, family and friends, and the water. She grew up in New Jersey, where she began riding at an early age. Her calling was as a nurse in the Army, reaching the rank of Captain, and was stationed in Italy. After spending time in Hawaii as a public health nurse, Sue moved to Woodside in 1976 from Texas, bringing her beloved horse Shandy with her. She worked at the V.A. Palo Alto for many years, became an Alzheimer?s Support Group facilitator, and a hospice nurse. Sue valiantly fought ovarian cancer for 11 years, yet maintained her lifestyle until the very end. She was on a mission to complete a long-planned, 3 week trip to Alaska with a good friend, returning just 7 days before she died. She was a member of the Happy Hoofers, San Mateo County Horsemen?s Assn. (past president), San Francisco Horsemen?s Assn., Los Viajeros Riding Club, the Shack Riders, San Mateo County Volunteer Hose Patrol (founding member) and numerous professional organizations. She also did grief counseling, and volunteered at National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy. If she was at a beach, she was in the water snorkeling?.Australia, Hawaii, Belize, Roatan, Mexico. Lots of adventures horse camping, and there never was a trail Sue didn?t know ?like the back of her hand?. We are grateful to you, Sue, for having shared your gifts with us.
Sue leaves behind her good friends, her sister, Connie Grady (husband Ed), niece Katie Grady, nephews Gio Andolina, Judd (wife Karina) Andolina, Patrick Grady, grand-niece/nephew, cousin Joan Messner, and her beloved horse Boogie.
Tags: veteran, public service
