Sheehan was born in New York City, New York, USA, on 7 December 1875. She never married nor had children.

When asked about the secret of her longevity by the nursing home staff, she said it’s because she “never had a man.”

Sheehan passed away in the Bronx in New York City, New York, USA, on 9 March 1989, at the age of 113 years, 92 days.