‘22 beautiful years’: Family mourns University of Michigan student who died skiing in Aspen

ANN ARBOR, MI – Eileen Sheahan brought a joyful energy into any room she entered, her family and sorority sisters said.

The 22-year-old University of Michigan senior had a smile that lit up an entire room, said her aunt Kathy O’Brien Caplice. Her Alpha Phi sorority sister Megan Martz called that same smile infectious, while another sister Grace Aretakis called it unforgettable.

Even after Sheahan died Saturday, Jan. 27, while skiing in Aspen, Colorado, her joyful energy still lingers, said her parents Terrence “TJ” and Patti Sheahan.

“We feel blessed to have had 22 beautiful years with our cherished daughter and comforted at this time to feel her presence and love all around us,” her parents told MLive/The Ann Arbor News.

Read more: University of Michigan student dies while skiing in Aspen

Sheahan, an Evanston, Illinois native, died when she hit a tree while skiing at the Aspen Highlands resort, Pitkin County Medical Examiner Dr. Steven Ayers confirmed.

Sheahan is survived by her parents, three siblings Erin, Margaret and Michael, and her extended O’Brien and Sheahan families.

Her grandfather Michael Sheahan was Cook County sheriff in Illinois, and her mother is a Cook County circuit judge. Her parents said their daughter sought to follow the family tradition of public service.

“We are immensely proud that Eileen spent a lifetime of giving to others and continues that legacy with the gift of life by being an organ donor,” her parents said.

Sheahan was set to graduate from the University of Michigan in May with a degree in economics. Her grandfather remembered driving her to a train to head back to Ann Arbor for the Michigan-Ohio State football game, and the wide-ranging conversation they had.

“She was at a great point in her life,” he said. “It is so sad it was cut short, but her smile and laughter will be remembered by her family and friends forever.”

Prior to coming to UM, she attended the St. Joan of Arc grade school in Evanston and Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. Even though Sheahan was a strong student, she did not brag about it, Caplice said.

“Eileen was a beautiful and accomplished young lady who was looking forward to graduation, had nearly straight A’s and a job waiting for her when she was finished with school,” her aunt said. “However she was also humble and self-deprecating, which only made her more endearing.”

While at the University of Michigan, Sheahan was a student ambassador and an involved member of her sorority. One of her sisters Tessa Weinberger said Sheahan “touched everyone with her presence. Martz and Aretakis also remembered a trip they took Portugal with her.

“We were on a boat cruise with our friends and just Eileen and I went to sit inside to warm up,” Aretakis said. “We sat inside and chatted about our lives, the future, and how truly blessed we were to be abroad together.”

“I am so grateful we were able to travel the world and share the time that we had,” Martz said. “Every minute with Eileen was a minute well-spent.”

University of Michigan Dean of Students Laura Blake Jones said the campus mourns Sheahan’s death.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, classmates and all who knew her,” Jones said.

Those seeking support from the news may contact the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services, as well as the Dean of Students Office and the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office, Jones said.

Sheahan loved spending quality time with her whole extended family, her parents said, adding she will be remembered for being an amazing big sister, best friend and role model.

“Eileen will be eternally loved and missed by all who were lucky enough to know her,” her parents said.

There will be a visitation for Sheahan at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Donnellan Family Funeral Home in Skokie, Illinois. The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at Old Saint Patrick’s Church in Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, family is requesting donations by made to The Eileen Sheahan Memorial Scholarship at The Academy at St. Joan of Arc grade school in Evanston or to Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Ann Arbor” daily newsletter.