Jeanne Joy Shehan

Jeanne Joy Shehan, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished member of the Baltimore community, passed away on August 25, 2026. Born in Baltimore on January 22, 1941, to William “Scotty” and Blanche E. McDade, Jeanne grew up with a deep commitment to faith and family. She graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory School in 1959, attended Saint Mary's College in Indiana, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Notre Dame of Maryland University. Although the U.S. Navy recruited her, she chose to serve her local community instead at the Maryland Department of Health. Family was the center of Jeanne's world. After marrying in 1967 and working for a time with the Baltimore County Court, she dedicated herself fully to raising her children, Andy and Darby. Her legendary talents in the kitchen eventually grew into a local business, supplying baked goods to Baltimore-area restaurants and shops. Jeanne was her children’s ultimate advocate, championing their education, driving countless miles across state lines, and fundraising through school Mothers' Clubs. She even successfully campaigned for a necessary traffic light at Charles Street and Chestnut Avenue for Loyola Blakefield. Her maternal warmth extended far beyond her own home; she routinely stepped in to watch over, care for, and feed the children of neighbors, friends, and extended family. Throughout her life, Jeanne's devotion extended deeply into her immediate and extended family. Her sister, Sharon, remained her closest friend and confidante, and her love for her younger brothers was unconditional. A devout Roman Catholic, daily prayer anchored Jeanne's life. She passed her beautiful faith down to her children and lived a life of devotion to the Church. Jeanne’s love lives on through her children, George Anderson Shehan Jr. and his wife Lisa, and Darby McDade Lassiter and her husband Steven; her cherished grandchildren, Miranda, Keegan, Alex, Aidan, and Ronan; and her siblings, Sharon Strassner, William “Billy” McDade, and David McDade. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jeanne's life on September 16, 2026, at a 10:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. She will be laid to rest with her parents at New Cathedral Cemetery immediately following. To honor Jeanne's charitable heart, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Jeanne Joy Shehan

January 22, 1941 - August 25, 2026