RIP Anne James
Lowell Sun
March 27, 2015
Delores Anne 'Dorrie' Sheehan Devout Catholic TEWKSBURY --
God gave the world a unique gift when Delores Anne Sidener was born on April
15, 1932 to Marie (Kelly) Sidener (a City of Chicago budget manager) and James
Samuel Sidener (a Chicago Police Officer).
Delores "Dorrie" developed her strong Catholic
faith at her mother's knee and at St. Adrian's school. She was baptized at St.
Adrian's, and received the Sacraments of Penance, Holy Communion, and
Confirmation there. In her teens, she lived in California, where, blessed with
a beautiful and powerful Coloratura Soprano voice, she sang professionally with
the Greek Theater. Her goal was to sing with Las Calla or the Metropolitan
Opera. Before that could happen, however, she was discovered by a Hollywood
talent scout, and was signed by Columbia Studios.
She attended Hollywood Professional School while playing
the female lead in two Western Movies "Pecos River" with Jock Mahoney
and John Penn; and "Barbed Wire", with Gene Autry and Smiley Burnett,
and a comedy, "Sound Off" opposite Mickey Rooney.
During the Korean War, she entertained our troops and
worked in bond drives to support the war effort.
Later, she returned to Chicago, where she became one of
that city's top-ten fashion and photographers' models.
At West Point in 1954, she met Cadet Donald Sheehan. For
four years he courted her during his Christmas and summer leaves, and during
Air Force pilot training after graduation.
Dorrie returned to West Point for Don's graduation in
1956, sharing with him and his family the many events of June Week including a
visit to Flirtation Walk on his last day as a cadet, and pinning his Second
Lieutenant bar on his shoulder on graduation day. Don gave her a star on
December 23, 1957, and they were married at St. Adrian's on the fourth
anniversary of their meeting.
They were separated by Don's assignment to Korea 77 days
after their wedding, but Dorrie joined him a year later for duty in Japan.
There they enjoyed a two year second honeymoon, absorbed Japanese culture, and
brought their first two daughters, Maria Anastasia and Maria Gabrielle into the
world.
Dorrie became a gourmet cook under the tutelage of the
Benedictine Nuns in Tokyo. She became Don's inspiration as he studied for a
master's degree in English at the University of Illinois (1962-63). There she
gave birth to Maria Christina. With masters' degree in hand, Dorrie and Don and
their three babies drove to Colorado for service in the English Department
faculty at the Air Force Academy. Dorrie personified the virtues and attributes
of Air Force wife and mother. She gave birth to Maria Mia in 1964, to Michael
in 1965, and Matthew John in 1966, and taught her children the tenets of her
Catholic faith.
In 1967, Dorrie lived in the Philippine Islands, while
Don flew tactical airlift missions during the Vietnam War. At the end of that
assignment, they returned to the Air Force Academy English Department, and Adam
Francis was born in 1970.
In 1973, the nine Sheehan's moved to Alaska, where Don
flew C-130 aircraft. Dorrie moved her family to Tewksbury for Don's service as
Commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 345 at the UMASS-Lowell.
For 38 years, Dorrie and Don lived in Tewksbury, where
their children grew in grace and wisdom, completing their college degrees,
marrying, and raising eighteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Throughout their 55 years of marriage, Dorrie exemplified
the finest virtues of a Catholic lady, wife, mother, and grandmother. The needs
of her family always came first, before any personal considerations. She led by
example, guiding her children in developing Catholic values. Dorrie helped her
children develop self-confidence and respect for others. She was the architect
of her family's prayer life and the matriarch of Sidener/Sheehan family
traditions. Her children and grandchildren emulated her virtues as well as the
values of patriotism, integrity, honesty, and humility.
Her many talents and skills included home decor, unique
gastronomic excellence, creative acrylic and water color painting, and
unmatched devotion to God and her family. In her recovery from three near-fatal
automobile accidents, she displayed courage and discipline beyond the call of
duty. In extended therapy to regain her mobility, she demonstrated quiet and
powerful leadership.
Dorrie brought indescribable joy to Don, her family, and
friends all the days of her life.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, the Loving God Who gave her
life, called her home to join her Mom, Dad, sisters, Mary Sidener and Suzanne
Kennedy, and brother, Sonny Sidener.
Mother of Stacy Decker of Lowell, Gigi Hovanec and her
husband, George of Dracut, Chris Vecchi and her husband, Dennis of Andover, Mia
Primeaux and her husband, Christopher of Lake Charles, LA, Michael A. Sheehan
and his wife, Doreen of Derry, NH, Matthew J. Sheehan and his wife, Lisa of
Chelmsford, and Adam F. Sheehan of Derry, NH. She also leaves 18 grandchildren,
four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
SHEEHAN -- Delores Anne "Dorrie" (Sidener).
Visitation at the foot of the altar at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198
Haggetts Pond Road, Andover, is Today, Friday, March 27, from 7-9 p.m. Holy
Mass celebrating her Catholic life will be held Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m.
in St. Robert's Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In
lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project,
www.woundedwarriorproject.org, P.O. Box 78517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to Poor
Clares of Andover, 445 River Rd., Andover, MA 01810, would be gratefully
appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, Tewksbury.
www.farmeranddee.com
JAMES, Anne (Delores Anne Sidener)
Born: 4/15/1932, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Died: 3/25/2015, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Anne James’ western – actress:
Barbed Wire – 1952 (Gay Kendall)
