CHANDLER Mary Katherine “MK” (Sheehan) of Norwood, formerly of Dover, Walpole and New Seabury MA., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 3rd at the age of 84 after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. The beloved wife of the late Robert X. Chandler, MK was a loving mother to her 7 children; Colleen McCormick and her husband Stephen of Medfield, Julie Chandler of Medfield., Nancy Chandler Drinkwater and her husband Craig of Franklin, Lynne Chandler Spirito and her husband Nick of Milford, Dennis Chandler and his wife Janet Love Chandler of Norfolk, Thomas Chandler and his wife Kim Ambrosini Chandler of Franklin, and Michael Chandler of Millis. MK was also the very proud grandmother of 20 loving grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Born in 1935 in Chicago IL., to Mary Jule (Sullivan) Sheehan and John Sheehan, MK had an older brother, the late Patrick Sheehan of Barrington IL. MK graduated St. Xavier Academy in Chicago before attending St. Mary’s College.
MK met the love of her life, Bob, on a blind date at Long Beach in Michigan after college. They married in 1959 and settled in Elkhart where they welcomed the 4 girls into their lives. They moved to Albany NY in 1964 where they welcomed the 3 boys into their already hectic lives. In 1969 MK and Bob moved the family to Memphis TN, then moved again in 1973, settling in Dover MA., where they lived for nearly 20 years.
A self-proclaimed “Domestic Engineer,” MK dedicated her life to raising, loving, teaching and imparting strong morals and values to her 7 children. The most important of those being love and commitment to family and friends, always. While raising her children, MK made a lasting impression on countless other children who were friends, teammates, boyfriends and girlfriends. Always with a smile and open arms, MK welcomed into her home all of her children’s friends and later, their spouses, her entire life. Whether they were visiting her home in Dover or the summer home in New Seabury, MK always had room and a meal for one more or 2 or 3. Everyone was welcomed the same way, like family.
A lover of flowers, cooking, music and dancing, MK was a lady of grace and dignity. She believed strongly in always looking your best to face each day, no matter the circumstances. A devout Catholic and believer in giving back, MK spent countless hours as a volunteer at Norwood Hospital and the food pantry in Mashpee. MK also enjoyed her many wonderful days with her walking group of friends at New Seabury and her lunches at Mcmenemy’s in Falmouth and shopping at the Christmas Tree Shop.
MK was a loving wife, amazing mother, mother-in-law, friend, grandma and great grandma and she will be missed more than words can express. We love you Mom and while we will never move on, we will move forward in your honor and memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in MK’s memory to Benchmark Harbor Staff Fund, 40 Clapboardtree St. Norwood MA 02062.
As a result of the current COVID crisis, a private family funeral service was held followed by a private family burial at Highland Cemetery in Norwood. A Mass of Remembrance will be held at a later date.