Sonja Ann Johnson Sheehan

CELEBRATION OF LIFE 

SONJA ANN JOHNSON SHEEHAN 

Sonja Sheehan, the beloved wife of 66 years to Terence Sheehan, died on June 21, in Venice, Florida. She was 87. 

She was born December 31, 1936, in Brockton, Massachusetts, the youngest daughter of three to Elizabeth (Breen) and Gustave Johnson. Sonja married her childhood sweetheart in 1958, and they traveled the United States together before settling in Venice, Florida where she lived for the past 25 years. Before retiring to Florida, she lived with her young and expanding family in Brockton, Massachusetts; Bridgeport, Connecticut; Seattle, Washington; New Orleans, Louisiana; Aston, Pennsylvania; and Holbrook, New York. 

While a loving and devoted wife and mother for many years, once her children were grown, Sonja joined her son, Bryan, in the residential real estate business. She was known as a savvy and accomplished real estate agent on Long Island in the 1980s and 1990s. Sonja was successful in her career because of her candor and honesty, and helped her daughters settle in the area. 

Sonja was known for her cooking skills, particularly Swedish dishes, and for her baking skills, making elaborate birthday cakes for her grandchildren. Her interests were varied, always taking courses in painting, sewing, crocheting and quilting. She made quilts for all her children and grandchildren that matched their interests in the world. And she crocheted baby hats she donated to local hospitals for newborn babies to keep warm. 

In addition to her husband of 66 years, she is survived by her beautiful daughters, Kimberley Hatzel (husband Michael Hatzel) of Rocky Point, New York; Bridget Chu (husband Steven Chu) of Ronkonkoma, New York; and a bonus daughter Kathleen Sheehan (husband Philip Kimball) of Potomac, Maryland. Sonja (aka Nana) took pleasure in watching and teaching the next generation including six grandchildren: Terence, Taylor, Charlotte, Alexandria, Cameron, and Emilie; and one great grandson, Bryan Sheehan. She always was happiest when surrounded by family. She is predeceased by her son, Bryan Sheehan, and her sisters, Elin Asker and Marilyn O’Brien. 

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.