Mary Eileen (Sheehan) Layton of Far Hills passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in the company of her husband and family.  She was born in Jersey City in 1961 to Eileen (O’Donnell) Sheehan Ginn and the late Cornelius Sheehan.

Eileen faced life’s challenges with gusto.  At an early age, she participated in medical studies that helped rewrite the book on childhood development; and she went on to accomplish far more than anyone could have imagined.  She attended the Maplebrook School in Amenia, NY where she made lifelong friends and awakened her love of art – a passion she pursued throughout her life, studying both privately and at the local college.  Eileen graduated from Howell High School in 1981 alongside her proud brother, Sean.

In 1986, Eileen embarked on a new career at The Matheny Hospital and Educational Center in Peapack.  During that time she met the love of her life, John Emmett Layton, Jr.  They married and recently celebrated their thirty third wedding anniversary.  Together they shared countless adventures from winter trips to Florida to follow the Yankees in Spring training, to attending conventions where they met the stars of classic television shows of her youth.

Eileen never stopped learning and growing; eventually writing, illustrating and publishing her own book, “My Yellow Fever”.  (Yellow was always her favorite color.)  She also had a natural gift for technology.  There was no electronic devise Eileen couldn’t master.  Social media allowed her to maintain friendships far and wide, spanning from childhood to work colleagues.

Though she faced serious health challenges in later years, including Parkinson’s Disease, Eileen never gave up.  She found faith and companionship with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, members of whom remained with her to the end of her life.

Eileen is survived by her beloved husband, Johnny; her mother, Eileen Ginn; her sister, Alison Caruso; her sister-in-law, Carol Schmidt; and brothers, Neil (Beth), Sean (Sheree) and Rory.  She will also be remembered by her nieces and nephews to whom she was always so kind.

A memorial service will be held at Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Bedminster on Saturday, October 4 at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY  10018 or at parkinson.org.