Barbara Sheehan

Barbara Sheehan, age 86, of Cranford, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 8th at the Center for Hope in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Barbara was born on January 13th, 1939, in Queens, NY, to George and Helen Van Holt. She grew up in Queens Village and attended Andrew Jackson High School. After she graduated in 1956, she became a Dictaphone operator for a yarn and thread company named Coats & Clark. In 1964, she switched jobs and became secretary to the vice president of sales at Chanel. Eventually, she was promoted to the position of office manager at Chanel, a position she held until she retired.

Barbara was known for being a kind, smart, and hardworking mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved rescuing animals, volunteering at her local women’s center, and providing a helping hand to any family member or friend in need.

She is survived by her daughter Kristina Burke, son-in-law Patrick Burke, her two grandchildren, Kelly and Gillian Burke, grandson-in-law Michael Putz, her brother John, and sister-in-laws Maxine Van Holt, Susan Van Holt and Gerda Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Sheehan and her brothers Donald and George Van Holt.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Wednesday, May 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West, Cranford, NJ., 07016.Interment will follow the next day Calverton National Cemetery in Wading River, NY at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to PAWS Chicago in Barbara’s memory.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospice staff at the Center for Hope and the nurses and doctors at Overlook hospital for their care and support.