Joanne Sheedy-McKinnon Obituary
Joanne Sheedy-McKinnon, 63, of East Gloucester, passed away at home on June 9, 2022, with her devoted husband and daughter by her side following a short battle with early onset dementia.
Jojo, as she was known by family and friends, was born in Gloucester on March 30, 1959 to the late Robert H. Sheedy and Felicia A. (Curcuru) Sheedy. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, Joanne grew up on Rocky Neck and graduated from Gloucester High School in 1977 where she proudly held the title of class clown. Upon graduation, Joanne attended UMASS Amherst, and Mass College of Art. Joanne then went on to have a very successful, 37-year career in seafood sales where she traveled the world, and many colleagues became lifelong friends who she cherished.
Jojo had an infectious personality. She was full of life and a true friend to everyone she encountered. She was talkative; quick to tell a joke and to share a laugh. Jojo was enthusiastic and inviting. She was spontaneous, funny, and energetic. Joanne loved living in East Gloucester with her husband. She enjoyed walking the beaches looking for sea glass, hiking in The Pines to pick blueberries, walking the Back Shore, and gardening.
Jojo lived a fun and fulfilling life, in a beautiful place, surrounded by a large, loving family and countless friends. She will be missed greatly by so many.
In addition to her husband of nearly 38 wonderful years, Brian H. McKinnon, Joanne is survived by two daughters, Sarah H. McKinnon of Peabody and Molly H. Vincent and her husband Christopher of Manitoba, Canada; sisters, Kathleen Pino and her husband Ralph of St. Albans, Maine, Pauline Sheedy of Gloucester, Deborah Sheedy of Gloucester; brother, Peter Sheedy and his wife Linda Hurley of Gloucester; brothers-in-law, John D. "Jack" McKinnon and his wife Barbara Matera of Gloucester, Blane H. McKinnon and his wife Sherrie of Agawam, Scott A. McKinnon (USN, ret.) and his wife Johnna of Orange Park, Florida; sister-in-law, Clare E. (McKinnon) MacDonald and her husband Dana of Gloucester. Joanne is survived by many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She was the self-proclaimed 'Fun Aunt' to George Pino and his wife Nidhi, Dr. Elizabeth Pino and her husband Joseph Leopold, Eli, Nathan, and David Misuraca, Teresa Sheedy and her husband David, Olivia, Ava, and Natalie Sheedy, Ronald G. McKinnon Jr. and his wife Sara, Jason McKinnon and his wife Robin, Lacey McKinnon Woodrum, Jill MacDonald, and by eleven great nieces & nephews and many cousins; very special friends, Rozanne Santuccio, Dawn Alves, Susan Jedrey, Amy Morton, and Jeanmarie Verga.
Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Robert H. Sheedy, and Felicia A. (Curcuru) Sheedy; her in laws, Cdr. George H. McKinnon (USN, ret.) and Mildred R. (Silva) McKinnon; brother, R. Brian Sheedy; sister, Roberta Sheedy; and brother-in-law, Ronald G. McKinnon.
Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester on Thursday, June 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Her burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanne's name to the Open-Door Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester 01930, or to Girls Inc. of Lynn, 50 High Street, Lynn MA 01902.
