Janine Kay

Sheehy

January 1, 1954

August 28, 2021

Janine Kay Sheehy (Souza) passed from this life suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Colorado Springs on August 28th, 2021. She was born in San Mateo, CA on January 1, 1954, and was educated in the San Jose public school system, graduating from Pioneer High School in 1972. Upon graduation she enlisted in the United States Navy and served with distinction for 20 years, primarily in various Naval Aviation Maintenance Administration roles. Also during that time, she married her husband Patrick Sheehy in San Diego in February of 1983. Their only child, Rachael, was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Maryland in the last month of active duty prior to her retirement from the Navy in October of 1993. She was an intrepid forerunner for the next generation of women who made a career of military service. Hers was a satisfying, but not easy, career choice for women in the 1970's in our country.

Relocating to Colorado Springs in 1994, Janine earned both her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado and subsequently her endearing nickname, "The Buffalo," after said university's mascot. She was a successful fused glass artist at the Commonwheel Gallery in Manitou Springs for many years. Art was always a central focus of her life, and she cultivated beauty in many forms. Janine was a faithful, dedicated volunteer at the John Zay Guest House, the Garden of the Gods Nature and Visitors Center, Silver Key and Corpus Christi Catholic Church and School.

Janine enjoyed all kinds of travel; Coronado Island, soaking in Glenwood Springs, hiking and lunch with the girls, trekking the Incline and working on her somewhat erratic skiing.

She is survived by her husband Patrick, daughter Rachael, two sisters and their husbands: Alane and Robert Smith of Colorado City, CO and Lynne and Chuck Viviano-Webb of Sun City, AZ, and one aunt, Gloria Jacobsen, of Reno, NV. They, along with countless in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends share an enduring love for the incredible woman that was Buff. To say she will be missed goes beyond the power of the written word.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Sept. 23, 2021 at 12PM. Memorial contributions to the John Zay Guest House or Springs Rescue Mission would be in keeping with Janine's wishes.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Sep. 7 to Sep. 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Janine Sheehy

7 Entries

Toki Smith

March 12, 2022

I couldn't have asked for a better AZ mentor and friend. No one has ever given me a car! Pat and Rachel I send my love.

Khris Myers

September 23, 2021

Patrick, it was heartbreaking to hear of the loss of Janine. Life is often too short but I know you will find a way to keep her in your heart through all of the great memories I'm sure that you have. Take care and I hope our paths will cross again sometime in the future.

The Ledger Family

September 21, 2021

We are all so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat, Rachael and all of Janine's family and friends.

Debra Paradeis

September 15, 2021

The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Janine Kay Sheehy, service to our country in the US Navy. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO

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Karen Brady

September 11, 2021

I was so shocked to here of janine passing. My prayers for you all

Jeanne Stover Knatcher

September 9, 2021

Janine, I met you in school when we were 13 and you quickly became one of my best friends. You were kind, loving, talented and had a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss you tremendously but I know I will see you someday on the other side. Until then, goodbye dear friend.

Lois Kile Grace

September 9, 2021

Janine, our friendship is a long one - going back to 4th grade. You were my first friend in class and we spent a lot of time together, usually talking in class or laughing our heads off. I will miss your occasional snail mail notes and emails. Your life was rich and rewarding, both for you and the other lucky people who knew you. We will all miss you terribly and your passing has made my world a much smaller place. You were funny, beautiful, skilled, talented, and so many other things but above all you were my friend and I will not know another like you. Rest easy, dear, and know I think of you with love. Till we meet again.

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