Declan Sheedy
Declan Sheedy, age 87; beloved husband of Susan Sheedy; loving father of Dermot (Cathy) Sheedy; proud grandfather of Colin & Nora; dear brother of Kieran (Terry) Sheedy; predeceased by loving siblings Leo Sheedy, Kathleen McDonald, Fr. Valentine Sheedy, Fr. Cyril Sheedy, Rita Sheedy, Dymphna Sheedy, & Dermot Sheedy; loving uncle and cousin of many.
Declan was born in 1932 in the village of Feakle, County Clare, Ireland to Jeremiah and Lilian Sheedy. He moved to the U.S. in 1956 to pursue job opportunities, where he soon met Susan, his wife of 46 years, and settled in the southwest suburbs of her hometown, Chicago.
Declan earned a Masters degree in Education Administration from Loyola University Chicago and went on to serve as Executive Director of the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging in LaGrange for 28 years. While there, Declan was instrumental in growing a thriving facility dedicated to providing a variety of services and resources for older adults and their families. Among his many accomplishments were the institution of a nutritional program and the establishment of a health clinic in collaboration with Loyola University Hospital.
Declan always remained close to his Irish roots, owning and operating an Irish imports store in Oak Lawn for 30 years and co-hosting “The Irish Hour”, a weekly radio show focusing on Irish music and news.
In his later years, he enjoyed “taking life easy”, visiting with family and friends, and secretly slipping his grandchildren “Grandpa Dec Dollars” at every opportunity.
Visitation 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 29 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Funeral prayers at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, December 30 from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Church, Western Springs for 11 a.m. Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Memorial donations in Declan’s name to Loyola University Medical Center or Mercy Home for Boys & Girls are appreciated. Funeral info: (708) 352-6500
My name is Bob Sheedy. I live in Northbrook, and am originally from Seneca, Il. There are a lot of Sheedy’s in the Seneca area. Four brothers came from Ireland in the 1860’s and settled in as farmers and produced many children. My father was a grandson of one of the originals.
I’ll pray for Declan’s soul.
May the loving memories of his life assuage this time of grief for friends and family. It has been a pleasure to see Mister Declan’s son grow professionally and as a person, honoring his father in the process. A prayer of peace and gratitude for his soul.
Declan was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I met him through my wife Julie who he hired to work at Aging Care. He knew my parents who were also from Ireland so we often discussed Ireland and our families when we met. When we were married he played a special request to us which we have on tape and listen to on our Anniversary. Susan and Dermot are fantastic people and we treasure the friendship we have had with the Sheedy family. Rest In Peace Declan.
Declan was so important to the new field of aging services when he directed the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging, now Aging Care Connections which is a leading organization in the field. I owe a great deal to Declan who was instrumental in the formative stages of AgeOptions the suburban area agency on aging. I directed AgeOptions for 40 years developing new programs and assuring accountability for the federal and state funds we administered. Southwest (Aging Care Connections) has always offered an example of fine service, community support, and professionalism. Thank you Declan for such a laudable legacy.
My name is betty girard. I met declan and susan when they would visit Declan’s brother fr. Val Sheedy in Florida. The SHeedy family all so intelligent so spirited using their many talents touching so many lives. Declan and Susan made everyone feel special. I am very proud to have known them and hearing the many stories thatFr. Val would share. Rest in peace Declan.