Marilyn Ann Sheeran

SHEERAN, Marilyn Ann (nee Cisko), a longtime resident of Pleasant Ridge, passed away on January 22, 2026 at age 98. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Sheeran. Devoted mother of Barbara (Richard) Feldmann, Thomas (Jana Boston), Robert (Terry), Timothy (Kathy), Patrick (Robbie), Teresa (Jeff) May, and the late infant John. Loving grandmother of Maria (Jordi) Sheeran Planell, David Sheeran, Daniel (Frankie) Sheeran, Kristen (Aaron) May Licari, Rachel Sheeran, Mark Sheeran, Andy (Emily) May, Amanda (Jimmy) Sheeran Schmidt, Kelsey Sheeran, Jack Sheeran, John Sheeran, Allie (Nick) May Moore, and Preston Sheeran. Great grandmother of Barrett Licari, Quinn May, Mateo Planell, Bryce Licari, and two more on the way.

Marilyn Ann Cisko was born on the south side of Chicago on September 11, 1927. The beloved little sister of Ed, and later the big sister to Barb and Betty, she grew up in a close-knit family that embraced every moment of life in the windy city. When her father, Ed Cisko, a top salesman for Best Foods, earned a promotion, the Ciskos moved to Cincinnati, where he helped Kroger bring Hellmann’s Mayonnaise to its shelves—a product Mom proudly kept in her refrigerator her entire life. It was one of countless small, loyal gestures that defined her character.

Settling in College Hill, Mom was just in grade school. She later enrolled at Our Lady of Angels High School (OLA). Moving to a new city and new schools is never easy, but she quickly formed friendships and shared her musical gifts as a cellist in the school orchestra before later turning to the piano—an instrument every one of her children remembers her playing with joy. She graduated in 1945 and began her career as a dental hygienist.

In 1946, at a dance at the Newman Club in Clifton, she met the man who would become her lifelong partner, Tom Sheeran. They danced together for 63 years and built a life filled with love, faith, and devotion. They welcomed seven children—losing one newborn son—and raised six others, two girls and four boys, who remained their pride and joy.

Eighteen years separated her oldest and youngest daughters, a span that reflects Mom’s extraordinary commitment to her faith and family. She was a proud and active member of the Nativity PTA for an incredible 27 consecutive years (1955–1982). Despite not having a car for the first 23 years of her marriage, she volunteered tirelessly at Nativity church and school while shopping, cooking, and running a bustling household.

When the family moved to Pandora Ave—the home she cherished for 53 years—Mom found the place that truly reflected her spirit. Just last week she said, “I loved every minute I lived in that house.” It was a home filled with warmth, kindness, conversation, and unforgettable meals. If food is love, then everyone who stepped through her door was deeply loved.

Her children’s spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were enveloped in that same affection. Pandora birthday parties, holiday dinners, the grandkids’ “Parlor A,” New Year’s Eve soda pop shots at the bar, and the joyous banging of pots and pans at midnight became treasured family traditions. Christmas, especially, was magical—opening gifts on Christmas Eve in the German tradition, singing carols at the piano, enjoying pizza, and then gathering again on Christmas Day for a feast that rivaled Thanksgiving. 

Even more special was the way Mom expressed her deep love and caring for the grandchildren and great grandchildren; she loved every minute of time spent near them; holding them, cuddling with them, reading to them, helping them learn, helping them develop, just fully embracing their young lives and finding joy in every second of their presence near Grandma!

Mom was the soul of our home and the heart of our family. She never raised her voice, never sought attention, and never put herself first. At barely 110 pounds, she accomplished more in a day than most could manage in a week. She typed Dad’s legal briefs, helped with school projects, edited term papers, and supported each of us with quiet, unwavering love.

Most amazing of all, was Mom’s pure energy level, which became so readily apparent when her children grew up, and had children of their own, and looked backwards at life. She managed the household of six “energetic” children yet she kept everything in check, always moving forward. Mom’s incredible energy and output persisted for virtually her entire life, still driving around town in her later years, picking up her friends for a lunch outing until she turned 93! Always up early in the morning, yet staying alert and active typically until midnight more days during the week than you could count.

Mom was blessed with a happy disposition, a positive, infectious outlook on life that never wavered. One classic example of this joy-filled life involved playing a fast moving, rollicking, card-slapping game of Nertz, with 6 or 7 family members! Mom was as competitive as anyone, and the peals of joyful laughter around the table as each game concluded will never be forgotten.

Talking with her for even an hour could be the best conversation of your week. She was thoughtful, current, and present—fully present. When she spoke with you, you were the only person who mattered. That was her superpower: she brought out your best and believed in you completely.

Her faith anchored her life. She prayed daily and sincerely, maintaining a prayer list and offering her intentions with genuine care. There was no sporting event, recital, play, or graduation of any Sheeran in greater Cincinnati that she and Dad wouldn’t try to attend. She lived through the people she loved—celebrating their victories, sharing their losses, always offering a warm smile and a comforting embrace.

When asked to sum up her life, she said simply, “I try to be a good person and to do good for others.” True as that was, it hardly captures the breadth of her generosity. She gave her time and heart to countless organizations, including the St. Ann’s Altar Society, Knights of Columbus Fenwick Council Ladies Auxiliary, Bethesda Oak, Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Birthright, and the Caring Place. Whenever we volunteered, she would marvel and say, “It’s remarkable that you give so much of your time to others—where did you ever learn that?” And we would smile back and tell her, “We learned it from you and Dad.”

Her life was built on faith, love, service, and charity toward all, and kindness without condition.

We will always love you, Mom. And we will miss you more than words can ever express.

- Barb, Tom, Bob, Tim, Pat & Terri

Visitation will be held from 4-6pm on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 5936 Ridge Ave. (corner of Ridge and Woodford), Cincinnati, OH 45213. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 6:00pm. Private family burial will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

Memorial donations in Marilyn’s memory, may be made to Nativity Education Fund, c/o Nativity School, 5936 Ridge Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213 or to Mahpiya Luta Red Cloud School, 100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, SD 57770-2100.