Molly (Gleason) Sheehy

Molly (Gleason) Sheehy 

Retired Dean, Middlesex Community College Lowell Campus

Molly Sheehy, beloved wife of the late Paul J. Sheehy, passed away at her home in Lowell on Sunday October 12, 2025.

Born Maureen Helena Gleason on May 7, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Florence (Trapp) (Gleason) Charlton and Paul V. Gleason. Within days of her birth, her grandmother, Helena Trapp, bestowed upon her the name “Molly,” and she has forever been “Molly” to all who have known and loved her. 

Raised and educated in Billerica, Molly attended Lowell State Teachers College, where she met her husband, Paul. They married shortly after her graduation in June 1960. Molly later earned both a master’s degree from the University of Lowell, and doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and prided herself on her status as a “triple River Hawk.”

For over five decades, Molly dedicated her professional life to education – in the classroom, as an administrator, and as a leader. After teaching for many years in both Billerica and Lowell Public Schools, in 1987 Molly was the first employee of the newly established Middlesex Community College Lowell Campus, retiring as Dean in 2014. During her career at Middlesex Community College, one of her proudest achievements was the establishment of the Wider Horizons program, a unique extension of the Irish peace initiative that brought together young teachers in training from four institutions in the North and South of Ireland to live and study in the United States for six summer weeks of engagement in multi-cultural education programs designed to assist Lowell elementary and middle school students bridge gaps in their education. At Middlesex Community College, Molly also spearheaded projects and supported partnerships with the Lowell Public Schools. Through her efforts, thousands of students have benefited from educational support programs that encourage higher education. She also served on the University of Lowell Board of Trustees, the University of Lowell Building Authority, and on the advisory board of the University of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate School of Education.

Molly lived a life rich in family, friendship, service and purpose. She was devoted to her husband. Their many travels to Ireland with family and dear friends were among the happiest times of her life. She was immensely proud of the accomplishments and achievements of her children, and delighted in the success of her children and all of their friends. Molly and Paul’s home in Seabrook was a place where all were welcome, and many Fourths of July and other good times were celebrated. Her grandchildren are heartbroken by the loss of Nana Molly, their biggest fan.

Molly is survived by her children, Timothy P. Sheehy and his partner Kathy Masterson of Dracut; Maria Sheehy of Lowell; Anne Sheehy of Newbury; and Elizabeth Sheehy and her partner Chhun Ly of Lowell; seven grandchildren, Paul J. Sheehy II, Daniel M. Sheehy, Fiona K. Sullivan and her husband Haralambos Exarhopulos, Eilis C. Sullivan, John Q. Flood, Catherine W. Shanahan, and Molly M. Flood; and a great-grandson, Connor Sheehy.In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her children, Edward P. “Ned” Sheehy, Michael G. Sheehy, and Kathleen Sheehy.

She also leaves her sister and best friend, Patricia Noreau of Lowell; sisters-in-law, Fleurette (Ayotte) Sheehy of Lowell, Patricia (Wojcik) Sheehy of Tyngsboro, and Donna (Duggan) Gleason of Alfred, Maine; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was also the sister of the late Michael Gleason and Stephen Gleason.

Molly’s children wish to thank her caregivers, Monica DePalma and Cathy Cove, for their unwavering compassion, love, and comfort.

Friends may call on Sunday October 19, 2025, at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 3 to 6 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Monday October 20, 2025, at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in LOWELL at 11 o’clock. Burial to follow at the Lowell Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the Paul Sheehy Memorial Scholarship (supporting students who demonstrate a commitment to their community and who plan to transfer from MCC to UMass Lowell), online at: https://www.middlesex.edu/advancement/donate.html or by check to Paul Sheehy Memorial Scholarship /c/o MCC Foundation, P.O. Box 8681, Lowell, MA 01853. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

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