FALMOUTH ~ Carolyn M. “Carol” (Sheehan) Van Atta, 97, of Falmouth and a former longtime resident of Ann Street in the East Springfield section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Monday, April 16, 2018. She passed into Eternal Life at Cape Heritage Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Sandwich, MA surrounded by the care and comfort of her loving family. She was born in Springfield, MA on January 30, 1921, a beloved daughter of the late Patrick J. and Caroline E. (Alderman) Sheehan. She was raised in Springfield, graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Springfield and had lived in Springfield most of her life. She was employed as an Account Representative at the Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance Company in Springfield for many years and retired in 1979. Previously, she had worked for the Westinghouse Corporation in Baltimore, MD and later in East Springfield. Active in her Catholic faith, she was a communicant of the former Saint Mary Church in East Springfield where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Parish Council service on the Family Life Commission. She was also a member of the Semper Fidelis Women’s Society of the Church and a coordinator of the Saint Mary Food Pantry. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of over 70 years, Gerald W. “Buzz” Van Atta who was Called Home on September 28, 2017. She leaves her loving daughter and son-in-law, Pamela L. Longto and her husband, Vincent; her two cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey Remillard and his wife, Jennifer, and Jacquelyn Amiott and her husband, William; her two cherished great-granddaughters, Lauren and Kristen Amiott; and her many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Van Atta and Sheehan families. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her four dear siblings, Edward, John, Mary and Helen. Her family will receive friends on Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 11 a.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. Her Burial will follow the Prayer Service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield, MA 01129. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
