WOODLAND — Laurie Jo Bagley Sheehan, 51, died peacefully November 16, 2016 surrounded by her family at her home in Woodland.
 |
| Laurie Jo Bagley Sheehan |
Laurie was born February 12, 1965 in San Diego California, the daughter of Neil and Barbara (Hamilton) Bagley. Growing up as a Navy brat, her early years were punctuated by regular relocations as her family was stationed in Newport, R.I., Coos Bay, OR, Jacksonville and Key West, FL, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada and Virginia Beach, VA. After her father’s retirement, the family settled on a farm in Plymouth, ME, but she never lost her love for travel and new places. She attended Nokomis High School and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in history in 1987. She married William Sheehan, a man who could always make her laugh, October 10, 1987 at their apartment in Old Town.
Early in her career, Laurie taught school in Hartland and Woodland (Baileyville). Over the next few years, the couple welcomed two children into their home and settled in Woodland, Aroostook County. Laurie stayed at home to raise her young children, before returning to work in 1999 at the Woodland Consolidated School as a special education teacher. Laurie taught her children the importance of treating others as they wanted to be treated, and they will always remember her as a loving mother who always made their home cozy and put the needs of her family before her own. They were very lucky. A dedicated educator, Laurie made room in her heart for all “her” special needs students she taught through the years. She challenged all and cheered their accomplishments in the classroom, after school and even as they moved on. She believed in the importance of extracurricular sports and especially liked cheering cross country runners (her own kids most of all). Laurie enjoyed much in her well planned life. She believed it important to “make things better.” She loved dogs and had many lucky pets through the years. Laurie was an accomplished genealogist with deep roots in New England and had traced her lineage to England and Ireland as far back as the 1400s.
She was a resourceful craftswomen who created countless unique items including quilts, paintings, clothing and decorations. She thrilled at bright colors and fresh arts and craft supplies. It was more important for her home to be cozy rather than neat. She loved long road trips to new places and preferred to start journeys before the sun was up. As a self-taught computer authority, she believed in the importance of freedom and privacy and supported movements to protect those ideals in today’s information age. Perennial flowers, nights in a tent, science fiction, Jimmy Stewart movies, comfort foods, ‘80s music, show tunes and old sweaters were a few of her favorite things. Laurie was a skillful photographer and her imagery featured her family, students, pets and Aroostook County skies.
In addition to her husband, William, Laurie is survived by a son, Sam of Brooklyn, NY, a daughter Marion of Orono, her parents, Neil and Barbara Bagley of Plymouth and Rio Hondo, TX, a sister, Janice Bagley and a brother, Mathew Bagley and wife, Lorelei, all of Fort Worth, TX. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, her in-laws, and their families. She believed that “to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” It was Laurie’s wish that there would be no memorial service. Friends who wish to contribute in her memory may do so to the Woodland School Text Book Fund, C/O Woodland School, 844 Woodland Center Rd., Woodland, Maine 04736. Arrangements by the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, ME. 04736. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
