Madeline Rita SHEA

SHEA, Madeline Rita Madeline Rita Shea, 96, of East Hartford passed from life on Sunday, (July 4, 2010) at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford, the daughter of the late Dennis B and Rose D. (Rosasco) Shea, she lived in East Hartford most of her life. She was a graduate of East Hartford High School, class of 1931, and later went on to receive her nursing diploma from the St. Agnes Home in 1938. She worked as a "baby nurse" for many years, both at St. Agnes Home as well as working in the homes of families with infants. Madeline retired from the Connecticut State Department of Public Health in Hartford. Those who knew Madeline remember her as a good woman and faithful Catholic who truly lived her faith in every aspect of her life. Modern concepts such as repeating gossip, using salty language and "telling it like it is" was never Madeline's way. This was a lifestyle which she didn't adopt as people could be hurt by such idle and thoughtless comments. She followed the golden rule throughout her life, in all of her interpersonal interactions which is why she amassed so many friends who remained loyal well into their golden years. She would still hear from friends from her youth as a member of St. Mary's Church and even the St. Mary's Fife and Drum Corps, her high school years, her fellow nurses from St. Agnes Home as well as former co-workers and members of her weekly bowing leagues, an activity which she enjoyed for many years. Many also remember that the Shea's home, under the direction of Madeline, an excellent cook and baker, was always party and holiday central for the festivities and celebrations of family and friends. Madeline probably cherished her early career as a baby nurse more than any other aspect of her life. She carried her nursing training and skill throughout her entire life; within the family Madeline served as the "family doc", bumps, mumps, aches and pains were all passed by Madeline who would listen, remain calm and focused and provide common sense advice--only then was the doctor involved. It was this early nursing training that allowed her to so carefully provide over 20 years of loving care to mother Rose, older sister Lil and brothers, Johnny, Peter and Hanky and devoted to the care and comfort of niece Betty. Each new baby that came into the extended Shea family became part of Madeline's caring legacy, more than once giving needed encouragement and support to the new "Shea" family mothers. Her training as a nurse also provided her with an extensive technical background which allowed her to complete her career as a statistical analyst in the Conn Tumor Registry in the Conn State Department of Health. Madeline is survived by her sister Anna M. Shea and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Frederick, John, William, Edward, Peter and Frank and sisters, Lillian Shea and Teresa Sheridan. Please join us at St. Mary's Church , 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford for her Liturgy of Christian Burial on Friday July 9, 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield. There are no calling hours. Benjamin J. Callahan Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary's Church, 15 Maplewood Ave., East Hartford, CT 06108. The family wishes to thank the staff at Hartford Hospital, Palliative Care Unit for the tender loving care provided to Madeline. Online condolences may now be offered at www.callahanfuneral.com