Joanne Sheehy Kraus, daughter of Edward and Mary Brassil Sheehy, graduated to heaven on May 6, 2026 after a long and happy life. She attended schools in Holyoke that were neighborhood schools—they no longer exist! She graduated from St. Joseph College and later received her Master’s from Westfield State Teachers College, where she taught in Holyoke for most of her life.

Following college, she spent her first two years teaching as an Extension Day Volunteer at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in La Junta, Colorado. Later she volunteered at Blessed Sacrament School and the community of Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, John Brassil Sheehy, and her sister, Maureen Sheehy Cloutier.

She leaves her four children and their spouses: Edward, Kevin & Brian Kraus, and Kara Puttick & spouses Tanya, Jackie, Kerri, and Andrew Puttick.

She is also proud of her fifteen fabulous grandchildren, friends, relatives, and Tim & Kathleen Corcoran & family of Ireland.

Calling hours are Monday, May 11, 2026 from 3-6pm at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke, MA. Funeral to follow at 12pm on Tuesday, May 12, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Holyoke MA. Burial will be at St. Jerome Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please do not waste your money, Joanne requested donations to be made to Blessed Sacrament School, however due to their unfortunate closing, instead please donate to your favorite charity in her name.

“After-party will be held at the Yankee Pedlar- note: If you’re not a friend or were not at church, please do not come to my after-gathering. It’s not a free lunch for you!” (Written by Joanne Kraus, 2024)