Irene T. Shea

Irene T. Shea, 74, of Brookfield passed away at Danbury Hospital on December 24, 2010. Irene was born on October 3, 1936 in Middletown, and remained a lifelong resident until moving last year to be closer to family. Irene graduated from Middletown High School and went to work for the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles in Wethersfield; retiring after a 42-year career. Irene was a family historian and devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews. Christmas at Irene's was memorable for its loving warmth and the incredible decorations she displayed. This family's Christmas celebration this year will be dedicated to her memory. Irene is survived by her sister, LaVerne M. Riley, of Brookfield. Laverne was a big sister to Irene in every sense of the word and their bond was deep and profound. Irene leaves her nephews and nieces, John and Samia Riley, Thomas and Susan Riley, Bruce Riley, Cary and Tereasa Riley, Mark and Tatiana Riley, Keith Riley, Linda Williams, Deborah and Barry Froeberg, and Thomas and Susan Shea, their children, her grand nieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Alice Shea, and her brother, Ronald Shea. The family would like to express its thanks to Dr. Michael Cohenuram and the incredible staff at Danbury Hospital's Oncology Center. "Dr. Mike's" treatments gave Irene a quality of life that was precious during her initial battle with cancer, before a recent, unrelated accident took Irene from us far too soon. The Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut provided excellent home care as did two very special friends to Irene, Cindy and Bridget, whose help to Irene and family was immeasurable. Irene's faithful companion for many years was her lovable dog, Deeohgee. The little guy never failed to lift her spirits and make her laugh when she faced difficult moments. Her love for him was inspiring to all who witnessed that joy and Irene enjoyed great peace knowing he'd be well cared for when she passed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday December 30th in St. Patrick's Church, on West High Street (Rte 66) in East Hampton, CT. There will be a visiting hour from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Spencer Funeral Home at 112 Main St. in East Hampton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feral Care, Inc., P.O. Box 954, Stratford, Ct. 06614 or the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main St., Danbury, Ct. 06810-4710.. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.