Dr. Sheenagh Uluwehi Burns, Clinical Psychologist, only daughter of Hawaii's late Governor John Anthony Burns and Beatrice M. Burns, passed away on December 27, 2015 at her home in Kailua. 

She was born in Kalihi On Decemeber 7, 1934. Named Mary Elizabeth at birth and nicknamed "Bug" by her father because she was so tiny, she later changed her name to Sheenagh Uluwehi. Raised in Kailua long before it became a bustling town, Sheenagh always considered herself a "country girl". 

She lived in Kailua with her brothers, John A. Burns, Jr. and James S. Burns. Her mother was stricken with polio when Sheenagh was 10 months old and remained confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Sheenagh became a voracious reader at a very young age and especially loved poetry and mysteries. She also loved playing sports and was a tomboy. She and her father would cheer for the Yankees while listening to games on their old wooden radio. 

She attended Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu for the next 12 years. In high school she played softball and basketball. In the 10th grade, Sheenagh met her lifelong friend and "hanai" sister, Anita "Chic" Marciel. Sheenagh's family struggled financially and they were not able to afford much. During her junior year in high school, her classmates joined together to buy her a class ring when they discovered she could not buy her own. Grateful for their consistent friendship and support, she remained connected to her cherished 'class of 1952' family for the rest of her life. 

attended Mt. Saint Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas. There she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (literature) with minors in Biology and Education. She also became a certified lifeguard and swimming instructor. During her summers in college, she worked as a sports instructor, lifeguard, boating instructor and Senior Counselor at various camps for boys and girls. 

After returning home in 1957, she worked at a variety of jobs: secretary at Matson; 4th grade teacher at St. Anthony's School in Kailua; reservations clerk at Hawaiian Airlines; substitute kindergarten teacher; private phonics tutor; and preschool P.E. teacher at Emmanuel Preschool in Kailua. She also taught high school classes in General Sciences, Biology, and Chemistry at Sacred Hearts for 3 years until 1963 when she got married. 

Sheenagh had 5 children (though she always said she wanted to have 13 children): Michaele Peakalika, Melinda Manuliho, Devin John Ho'omalu, Meghan Lanakila, and Dunstan Norifumi. She raised her family in Kailua, close to her parents home. 

After her divorce in 1980, Sheenagh enrolled at the University of Hawaii to fulfill her undergraduate course work in Psychology. In 1984 she was accepted as a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology program at UH. Her Master's thesis, which was titled "The Influence of Brain Damage on Personality", was published in the scientific journal, "Brain Injury", in 1994. Sheenagh completed her doctoral internship at the Department of Veterans' Affairs in Honolulu. She earned her Ph.D. in 1995 at the age of 60. In 1997 she was accepted as a member of the prestigious National Register of Health Service in Psychology. Sheenagh started her own private practice and was a consultant for Child Protective Services, providing family evaluations. She also became a consulting psychologist for the State of Hawaii, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for 16 years. She retired from practice in April 2013. 

Sheenagh is survived by her older brother, John A. Burns, Jr. and her younger brother, James S. Burns. She is also survived by her children, whom she referred to as the "precious children of my heart and soul": Michaele Martin (Vincent), Melinda Sanford, Devin Statts, Meghan Statts (Lani Keopuhiwa), and Dunstan Statts. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, whom she called "the sunshine in my life": Brittney Uakealani (Matt Jurek), Sterling Punualiho (Kainoa Nascimento), Kamuela Kaolokauapakapaka, Keaka Kaiali'i Kulamalosi, Riley Ki'inalani, Ella Imaikalani, and great-grandson Reef Anthony Pulamapulenokai.

Sheenagh was pre-deceased by her beloved feline companion of 12 years, Mikanui (Mika). 

Me ke aloha pumehana.