Janet Elaine (Mcglaughlin) Sheehan
- Janet Elaine (Mcglaughlin) Sheehan, 80, of Columbus, was called to her eternal home May 21, 2024, in The Brooke of The Inn at Library Way, Hilliard, Ohio. Born May 3, 1944, in Lilly Chapel, Ohio. She united in marriage with the love of her life, Vincent John Sheehan, on October 25, 1974, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Vincent preceded her in death on May 1, 2006. Many family and friends enjoyed celebrating Janet’s recent 80th birthday, May 3rd, where she was surrounded by love and serenaded with special songs. Janet is survived by her sister Peggy Kessler, Columbus; step-daughters Elaine (Don) Knecht, Buffalo, NY; Carol Sheehan, Jacksonville, FL; step-grandchildren Theresa (Russell) Blackstone, Buffalo, NY, Sarah Knecht, Tonawanda, NY, Anna Knecht, Amherst, NY, Tom (Miranda Hewins) Knecht, Indianapolis, IN, Michael (Alicia) Sheehan, Myrtle Beach, SC; sisterin-law Teresa (Anthony) Debiase, Allentown, PA; step-great-grandchildren Aaron, Dominic, Ruth, Clare, and James Blackstone, Miles and Owen Van Saders, and Leena and Harmony Sheehan; brother-in-law Donald Phillips; nephew Dick Phillips, London; nieces Sandra (Herbie) Bowshier, London, Nanci (Kevin) Lilly, Galloway, Cathy (Jim) Flowers, Columbus, Kim (Jim) Williams, Galloway, Jennifer (Dale) Baugess, Columbus, Joy (Randy) Kinser, Hilliard, Paula (Bob) Ulrich, Allentown, PA, Vickie (Ozzie) Breiner, Allentown, PA; many great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews; special cousin Diana Voigt, Centerburg; special friends Suzanne (Eric) Dick, Leesburg, Matthew Waldman, Columbus; her Eastern Star family and many other family members and friends. She was a 1962 graduate of The Plains High School in Mt. Sterling, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents Wilson and Martha Mcglaughlin; step-daughter Claire Sheehan; step-great-granddaughter Monica Jane Blackstone; sisters Bonnie Phillips and Judy Mcglaughlin; brother-in-law Bill Kessler; nephew Philip Kessler; great-nieces, Amanda Eckard and Kelly Kinser. Janet was a true patriot and loved her country. She was sworn into the United States Women’s Army Corps on September 26, 1969. She was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, became an Assistant Special Agent (Detective) in the US Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and attained Specialist Five E-5 (WAC) regular Army. Janet spoke fondly of her time and adventures in the Army. One of her favorite stories was the time
COLUMBUS she had the assignment of protecting Frist Lady Pat Nixon while she and President Nixon were visiting New York City. Janet was an honored veteran of Honor Flight Columbus Mission #104, September 9, 2021, Vietnam – Army.
Janet was a devoted member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church; a 50-year member of The Order of the Eastern Star, she was a Past Matron of West Jefferson Chapter and upon merging, was a Past Matron of Caroline Chapter #39, Deputy Grand Matron (1984), Co-drill Director (2000 and 2015), and Grand Chaplain (2010) for the Grand Chapter of Ohio, and various other offices; former board member and Lay Director of her beloved Central Ohio Emmaus Community; member of the Military Women’s Memorial; member of Lilly Chapel Rebekah Lodge, Athena Courts No. 3 – Order of the Amaranth; and Mt. Olive Shrine No. 3 – of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. Janet loved Ohio State Buckeye athletics and was always seen in Scarlet and Gray on football game days. Janet was an avid storyteller, had a great sense of humor, and was often the center of entertainment for those around her. Vincent and Janet loved to travel. For over 31 years they traveled to all fifty states and 17 countries. She loved life and cherished the opportunity to give to others. Janet was the caregiver to her husband Vincent; sister Judy, and her mother Martha. Her motto for life was BEE positive. In her own words, “the BEE serves as a reminder for me to BEE positive and trust in the Lord. Since 1991 there have been few days that I have missed wearing a bee…when I put a bee on my shoulder each day, I ask God for his blessings upon me, my loved ones and all with whom I come in contact.” After being diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy (a rare progressive form of dementia), she had a small bee tattooed on her wrist as a reminder to BEE positive. The world is a far richer place for the love, kindness, generosity, and laughter Janet spread so widely 143. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 3-7:00 pm with an OES service at 7:00 pm followed by a catholic prayer service at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger Hilltop, 3030 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 434 Norton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228. Interment to follow at Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church or the Honor Flight Columbus.