SHERIDAN, Dr. E. Ann

A longtime professor and dean emerita at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, of West Springfield and originally from Salem, passed away on March 26, 2024. Ann was born on February 17, 1934 and was predeceased by her parents, Eva C. and John J. Sheridan of Salem; sisters, Alice C. Saben of Bradford, Claire F. Fosberry of Gloucester and Marion L. Rudolph of Peabody; brothers, John J. Sheridan, Jr. and Thomas J. Sheridan of Salem; and her partner, George L. Balestri. She leaves behind many surviving cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces, great-grandnieces and nephews and their families, dear friends, cherished colleagues; and her lifelong friend, Karen Johnson.

Ann received licensure from Catherine Laboure School of Nursing and completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing at Boston College.

She pursued a master of science degree in nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner from the University of Wisconsin and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She worked in hospitals in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California before accepting an offer to teach at the UMass Amherst College of Nursing.

For her many achievements, Dr. Sheridan received the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal, conferred by UMass and the ANA’s Massachusetts Living Legend Award. She assumed the role of dean of the UMass Amherst College of Nursing, from 1986-1988, before her retirement after 35 years of service. Dr. Sheridan was recently presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the president of the University of Massachusetts for her service and commitment to the field of nursing and nursing education.

Arrangements, A Funeral Mass Celebrating Ann and her Life will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, in Salem, MA, on Saturday, April 13, at 11 a.m. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations– Funerals– Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common), SALEM. Please consider a memorial contribution to the Dr. E. Ann Sheridan Scholarship or to provide support to establish the Dr. E. Ann Sheridan Faculty Mentorship Award. Checks should be made out to the UMass Amherst Foundation, indicating which fund you would like to support. For more information, please contact Crystal Neuhauser, chief development officer, UMass Amherst Marieb College of Nursing, 651 North Pleasant St., Skinner Hall, Amherst, MA 01003, telephone (413) 658-5619, email cneuhauser@uma-foundation.org