Obituary of Christine Sheehan O'Connor

Christine Sheehan O'Connor passed away peacefully on March 28 at her home at Whispering Knoll, in Edison, NJ. Tina was born in Upper Montclair in 1917 and lived in her hometown until a few years ago, when she moved in with daughter Chris and her husband Bob. She moved into Whispering Knoll in June, 2014. Tina graduated from Montclair High School in 1936, and attended the New York School of Display. During the hard times following the Great Depression, she and her mother Elizabeth C. Sheehan opened Wit's End gift shop, which was well known as a place to find wedding and other gifts. The "Wishing Tree" was a Christmas tradition beloved by Upper Montclairites. Tina and her husband Malachi were early Hospice volunteers, devout and progressive Catholics, active in St. Cassian Church CCD, and the Civil Rights movement. Tina led the Upper Montclair Business Association, and served as Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Girl Scout leader. She was active in the PTA, the 200 Club, and more. She received the Volunteer Emmy Award, of which she was very proud. From innovative business ideas to her lifelong interest in writing, Tina thought and acted creatively. She authored memoirs of each of her parents, and her own autobiography. She published her poems in two collections, as well as in several literary magazines. Of late she composed many haiku, often beginning with "outside my window," a handily five- syllable line that led to observations of nature and the nature of life. Tina was predeceased by her husband Malachi; brothers Tom, Bill, and David and sister Betty. She is survived by her children and their spouses Malachi & Bonnie, Mary Beth & Ginny; Chris & Bob; and Tom & Beth, and by her grandchildren Maureen, Claire, Theresa, Dawn, Molly, and Christopher, and great grandchild Emmett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven Hospice, JFK Hospital, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08818.