Mary Ann Sheehy Kiley Shugars of Newton, N.J., formerly of Bethesda, Md., died Friday, April 2, 2021, at home surrounded by her three children. She was 88.
Her new port of call includes the reunion with family and friends that she has missed for a long time. She will be the diplomat’s wife again, throwing great parties, dancing, eating lots of chocolate and lemon jelly cake, and she will never gain an ounce of weight. Music, laughter, and love are guaranteed for eternity.
Mary Ann was born in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 4, 1933, and raised in the Washington, D.C., area. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Music from Catholic University in 1955. In 1956 she married her soulmate, Jim Kiley, who promised to “show her the world if she said yes,” and she did, There began their life in the U.S. Foreign Service together, living in Israel, India, England, and Italy. Their life together was never short on excitement, and they saw the world together “because it was there.”
After Jim’s retirement, they lived in their homes in Bethesda and Lighthouse Point, Fla. Mary Ann played golf and tennis and continued seeing the world on her own and with her family. She was a dedicated homemaker and business owner, a life member of the Congressional Country Club, and a 37-year Friend of Bill’s.
Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Vincent A. Sheehy Jr. and Naomi E. Passarelli; her first husband, James E. Kiley; her second husband, Arthur Shugars; and her cherished son, James E. Kiley Jr.
She is survived by her children, Kathleen A. Quinn and her husband, Terrance, of Fredon, N.J.; John S. Kiley and his wife, Mary, of Harpers Ferry, W.V.; and Michele A. Kiley of Aspen, Colo. Her loving grandchildren were her pride and joy. They are Megan Heckman, Brandon Quinn, Kelsie Quinn, and Kylie Quinn, all of New Jersey, and Morgan Kiley, Brooklynne Kiley, Jack Kiley and Kevin Kiley, of WV and VA. Her great-grandchildren Ethan, Aiden, and Madison Heckman, of NJ were a special twinkle in her eyes. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Jane Moffett of Virginia, and Maria Crellin and Giovanna Riley of Florida; along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Burial of Cremains will take place in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, Newton, N.J.