Remembering Masel Sheehan

Saint Patrick’s Day, 2023 was a very sad day at the Farrington Historical Foundation. That day we lost Masel Sheehan, our longest-serving and beloved Director Emeritus. Later that month, we joined Masel’s family and many friends to celebrate her life and legacy at a very touching, emotional memorial service. Our board president Joselle Kryder delivered the following tribute to honor Masel’s memory.

My name is Joselle Kryder. I’ve known Masel for many years as a fellow Farrington Historical Foundation board member and as my dear friend.

Masel came to the Farrington House 32 years ago, first as secretary for the Junior League of San Jose, which has their office there and later when she joined our board. Our founder Dorothy Farrington was, herself, an amazing woman who quickly recognized Masel as a person of strong character and intelligence. Over time, they became dear friends and Dorothy relied more and more on Masel as someone she could trust with her affairs and with preserving the legacy of the Kirk-Farrington House.

And preserve that legacy is exactly what Masel did!

She served as president of the Board for three terms (a total of nine years) and many, many years as Board treasurer. She was very proud that, during her tenure, the Foundation had accomplished Mrs. Farrington’s two major goals when the trust was established. First, restoring the House and grounds to their original Victorian splendor. Under Masel’s leadership, the property has become a Willow Glen showplace. And second, awarding grants to the local community. Since its beginning, the Foundation’s assets have grown, enabling us to have awarded a total of $4.3 million in grants to local non-profit organizations.

Many of our professional contacts and grantees have written to convey their sympathies at the news of Masel’s passing. They all expressed how wonderful it was to work with someone so brilliant, gracious, and dedicated.

To those of us on the Board, Masel was much more than a dedicated Board officer. As board member Sharon Watts so perfectly expressed, “Masel was the heart and soul of the Foundation. She was our rock, our respected mentor, and our beloved and beautiful friend.”

All of us have special memories of Masel. I’ll share a few of them with you.

Our curator Dianne Van Voorhis says that one of her favorite times with Masel was when we inventoried all the items in the Farrington house. There are thousands of items in the house. Our committee met once a week, for 3 hours, and Masel was there every week helping us take photos, record item descriptions, then put the items back into their proper places or pack them safely away. Masel diligently and patiently helped us finish a complete inventory of all items in the Farrington House! It took us four years! That’s dedication and support I’d never expected and it was the beginning of a lovely friendship!

Pam Bliss joined us 14 years ago as Executive Director of the Foundation. For two of her terms as President, Masel was her “absolutely wonderful” boss. Pam says that she had so much fun working with Masel on projects necessary to maintain our historic house. One day, they’d be up in their arms in suds, washing lacy draperies by hand in the bathtub. Another day would find them cleaning the crystal chandeliers, and the next day they might be pondering new toilets at Home Depot or maybe out in the garden pruning.

My own favorite memories of Masel often involve our shared love of gardens. For several years, Masel and I spent many Saturday mornings pruning and deadheading the roses during the summer. Each day, when we were finished, we’d sit in the shade on her favorite bench and rest for a while, enjoying the lovely garden and our handiwork.

Times like these with all of us always provided Masel with the opportunity to tell her favorite stories about Mrs. Farrington and her lively adventures which were always very entertaining!

Linda Bostwick, who worked for the Junior League, remembers "Masel would come into the Junior League's office whenever she was at the Farrington House.  She greeted me with her warm and kind spirit and would sincerely check in on me to see how I was doing.  We would laugh and talk about life.   When the annual ToKalon tea was hosted at the Farrington House, Masel was front and center organizing it, making sure all the details were perfect for her friends.  She truly exemplified what it means to be of service." 

Likewise, board member Cheryl Caligaris reflects that when she first joined the Foundation Board 15 years ago, her children were very young. Masel made a big difference by checking in with her often, truly caring about what was going on in Cheryl’s life.

Before becoming board members, Al and Joanne Moore were neighbors who lived across the street from the Sheehans. They were a young married couple with small children. There was a time when Joanne was ill and put on strict bedrest. Though she didn’t know the Moores very well, Masel made sure the three kids all got to school and home again every day and also brought many meals to get them through a very tough time. That was the beginning of a long and lasting friendship.

Our director Patty Holaday remembers how Masel spent hours of time with her, patiently bringing her up to speed on the finance matters so that Patty could easily assume the Treasurer role for the Foundation.

And then there are the peonies. The Farrington House Garden contains a large collection of Chinese Tree Peonies, some dating to the 1950s. Dorothy Farrington and Masel loved those plants and to this day, we take exquisite care of each one! They even have their very own peony expert who comes each year from Oregon to prune and fertilize the plants for the winter. The extraordinary and beautiful flowers bloom every year in March, around Mrs. Farrington’s birthday. Board member Lance Lew has rightly pointed out that from now on, the blooming peonies will also remind us of the incredible spirit of our dear friend Masel.

The Foundation and the Sheehan family have placed a special arbor over Masel’s favorite bench in the peony garden as a memorial to our dear friend and leader. Soon, we hope it will be covered with roses. We also hope it will become a place to relax and spend some time remembering Masel in her favorite place.

Masel was definitely the heart and soul of the Foundation, our chief advisor and a “Common Sense Compass” for every decision we’ve ever made. Always mindful of “What would Mrs. Farrington do?”, she really shaped the direction of the Foundation. Dorothy had certainly chosen wisely!

Masel inspired us all with her energy and wit, her kindness, generosity, and grace. Also, with her marvelous laugh and sparkling eyes. She was a gem and we are incredibly blessed and richer for having had her in our lives.

Pam said it best, “I’m sure Mrs. Farrington is waiting on the other side with arms wide open to welcome Masel home.” We miss you tons, sweet Masel. We will think of you every day.