Gail C. Sheehan, 75, of Manchester, NH passed away on January 9, 2024 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH surrounded by her loving husband and daughter. Gail was born in Sanford, ME on June 24, 1948, a daughter of the late William and Dorothy (Shaw) Porter. She had been a resident of Manchester for 35 years.
A major source of pride for Gail was being an Army wife, and traveling and making friends everywhere she went. Whether it was learning to play softball in New York, or taking up golf in Kentucky, where she went on to become the president of the Ladies Golf Association, or just welcoming so many people in her family that needed it, Gail put her energy into all of it. Some fond memories will always include Gail’s love of dancing with her husband Tim, and even winning some dance contests doing the jitterbug, especially dressed in their best 60’s outfits! Some friends that she made throughout all of these years are still near and dear to her, showing that time and distance are no match for genuine friendship.
Upon moving back to New England, finally coming “home”, Gail began her career at Shaw’s, working her way through different roles and eventually becoming a Customer Service Manager. Not only did she provide great leadership to her team members, but she established many friendships that brought her so much happiness. When Gail retired from her career at Shaw’s, she found a new passion for her Papillon dogs, raising, breeding, and showing them. From Spot the Dog, to Cubby, to the queen of them all, Coco, and far too many to name, Gail had so much fun learning about this new world and found much success in and out of the ring with her beloved pups. Other important hobbies that also turned into amazing gifts for friends and family was Gail’s love of quilting, where she made the best of friends, and her seashell art, that now adorns many lucky homes.
Gail was always so full of life and shared that with everyone she knew and it can almost go without saying that her family was her biggest source of pride. Her husband Tim was always and continued to be her hero, right until her last moments, and her daughter Heidi was definitely her favorite child. Heidi and Gail would often share nights out to see live music, have shopping dates, or just talk on the phone. Her grandsons Alex and Bryan and the adventures they shared, whether camping, snowboarding, or simple video calls, provided her with all the smiles and joy. Adding her great grandson Brooks into the fold moved her joy to levels unimaginable. Hearing him say “Love you forever, Nana” was a memory that kept her smiling.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Timothy F. Sheehan of Manchester, one daughter, Heidi Leigh Sheehan of Londonderry, NH, two grandchildren, Alexander James Blouin and his wife, Jacquelyn, their son Brooks Oliver Blouin, and Bryan Cameron Blouin and his wife, Ainsley; one brother, Gary L. Porter of Center Barnstead, NH, one sister, Sharon E. Iverson of Somersworth, NH, as well as several nieces and nephews. Gail was predeceased by her sister, Carol A. Bonanno in 2014.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, the family plans to have a Celebration of Life in the spring/summer 2024. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers or cards, Tim and Heidi would ask that you send donations in Gail’s name to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH 03054.