Patricia W. Sheehan

Patricia Watts Sheehan, 92, of La Crosse, Wis., passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018, in Benedictine Manor of La Crosse. She was born in Herkimer, New York to Walter and Anne (Gately) Watts. She graduated from Central High School, attended St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn.  and received a BA in English from Viterbo College.  She married Leon “Bud” Sheehan.  She was a social worker prior to her marriage, and later a substitute teacher in the La Crosse Diocese schools.  She was very concerned with social justice and political issues and was one of the original members of Dialogue, an ecumenical group with Church Women United and FISH.  As a member of the American Association of University Women, she was an officer and longstanding member of Bookfellows, a study group.  She also was instrumental in starting the Meals on Wheels program in the city.   She loved gardening, hosting parties and entertaining her many friends.

Patricia is survived by her two daughters, Mary Pat Lauria, (Robert) of New Fairfield, Conn., and Brigid Thompson (Terry) of Vadnais Heights, Minn.; three grandchildren, Patrick Thompson (Emily Meyer), Katy Thompson (Sean Gandy-Johnson) and Courtney Dallas-White (Denny); five great grandchildren, Leilani Gandy-Johnson, Liam Gandy-Johnson, Mallory White, Sydney White and Elliott White; her sister, Betty Watts, and sister-in-law Joyce Kvalsten.  Special thanks to the staff at Benedictine Manor for the care they provided.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Leon “Bud”, and her parents.

In accordance with Pat’s wishes, her body is being donated to medical science. There will be an open house celebrating Pat’s life at Le Chateau, 410 Cass St, La Crosse from Noon to 3PM on Saturday, March 3^rd.  Memorials are requested to the Place of Grace, St. Clare Health Mission, or La Crosse Community Fund.