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Catherine Shea Obituary
Kay was the only child of Jim and Margaret Quinn. She was raised in Springfield, attending local school, graduating from Cathedral High School and Our Lady of the Elms College.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Robert J. Shea, and two grandsons, Ian Michael and Patrick K. Shea.
Kay was a devoted mother and friend. She was an avid reader, with a thirst for knowledge. Her time spent on Cape Cod was a dream come true. Even with her busy life, she always found the time to volunteer and help others. She possessed a truly compassionate heart.
A longtime communicant of Holy Name Parish, Kay spent many years teaching at Holy Name School. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with the "Alderman Street Irregular's," Joanie, Betty and Jane.
Kay is survived by her sister-in-law, Katharine M. Shea; and children, J.P. (Kim), Robert (Margaret), Brendan (Diane), Michael (Patty) and Kathryn Shea, Margaret (Tim) McCarthy, Deidre (David) Tougias, Nona (Paul) Fenton, Teresa (Todd) Brown, and Maura Shea Ollari. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Michaela, Zachary, Liam, Fiona, Molly, Maighdlin and Meredith Shea, Meara McCarthy, Kaitlen, Bobby and Jenny Ollari, Keighly, Eamon, Brennan, Kellam, Neelan and Declan Tougias, P.J. and Owen Fenton, Conor and Logan Brown, Jason Nadeau and Deidre Dupont.
Friends may meet on Thursday, at 11 a.m., in Holy Name Church for the funeral Mass. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main St., from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kay's name to Mont Marie Health Care Center, 36 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, 01040. At Mont Marie, Kay received outstanding, loving and compassionate care.
With love in our hearts, Quinno, GOOD NIGHT and GOD BLESS!
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August 16, 2009
To Margaret Ann and all the Shea children we are so sorry for your loss. Ypur mother was a wonderful teacher and loving person. She will be missed. Our prayers are with you at this time. Dave and Marcine Hart
Joan Leary Zocca
August 13, 2009
Dear Shea Cousins,
I am very sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm sorry I was unable to attend the funeral, but sadly, I already had one here on the Cape that I needed to attend. I wish you all peace in your hearts as you cope with your loss. I can still hear her distinctive voice....
Love,
Joan
August 9, 2009
Dear Shea Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother's generous spirit, positive energy, and sense of humor. One thing I've learned is that when you are blessed with a wonderful mom, her legacy lives on forever.
Bless you all,
Marie Ryan
Jennifer (O'Keefe) Marconi
August 7, 2009
Dear Shea Family~ Your mom was my second grade teacher at Holy Name and by far the best teacher ever!!! I will often share my fond memories of Mrs. Shea to my twins who just finished second grade. My thoughts and prayers are with you all~
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Terrence McMahon
August 7, 2009
Mikey,Dee Dee,Brendy,and all of the Shea Family. Laurie and I just found out about your Mothers passing.We were extremely saddened to to hear the news.
Your Mother was a fantastic woman who will be missed by many.Our deepest sympathies to all. Terry,Laurie,Conner,and Colin McMahon
August 6, 2009
Another huge fan of your mother as my third grade (?) teacher at Holy Name and a kind face in the neighborhood. I still think of her when I find wheat pennies because she told us she collected them. My prayers are with you.
Kara (Shumway) Risk
Chris Wells
August 6, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
David LaFond
August 6, 2009
To Mike, Dee Dee and all of the Shea Family.
I recently heard the news of your Mothers passing.
I was very saddened to hear this news.
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and all of your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely
David,Susan and Meredith LaFond
David LaFond
August 6, 2009
To Mike,Dee Dee and all of the Shea family.
I recently leaerned of the passing of your Mother.I was very saddened to hear the news.Our deepest Sympathies go out to you and all of your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely
David , Susan and Meredith LaFond
Suzanne Williamson
August 6, 2009
My brother and I were both fortunate to have Mrs. Shea as a teacher at Holy Name. Thirty years later we still talk about how she was one of our favorites.
Eileen Leary Zewski
August 6, 2009
Dear Shea Cousins,
We are so sorry to learn of Kay's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. You can take comfort in the thought that she is now in a better place. I can imagine that Joe and Rita hosted a party to celebrate her reunion with your Dad. In fact, I can almost hear the Irish songs..............
Love, The Leary Girls,
JoAnne and Steve Vose
August 6, 2009
Margaret Ann and All,
What wonderful memories of your generous, loving mom -- and her entire incredible family. Who else would just give away a grand piano to her daughter's friend? She said her kids had outgrown sitting in or under it, and pounding on it. (Can't remember if anyone ever played it!) ... Wish we could be there with you today. Know that you are in our thoughts. Much love,
Mary Flahive
August 6, 2009
To all the Shea "kids"...I just received a call from Joan Ryan telling me of your mother's death, and I am so sorry I will not be able to be at her funeral Mass this morning. (I have moved to the Farm,and the hour is too short to get there on time.) Your mother was a great, fun-loving lady, and I have so many fond memories of her both from H.N. School, and the neighborhood. My condolences to all of you; you are in my prayers. Fondly, Mary Flahive
Tina Slouf
August 6, 2009
We are so sorry to hear that Kay passed away. She was such a warm and wonderful person, she will really be missed. We have such fond memories of staying with her at Cape Cod, she was always so gracious.
John Dromey
August 5, 2009
My all time favorite teacher. The Dromeys are praying for your family.
Paul & Jo Sears
August 5, 2009
To the Shea Family:
We are away on vacation and we are sad to hear about Kay's death. We cherish her memory and all our memories of the lively Shea Clan. Many of our kids were lucky to be taught by Kay at Holy Name School, and they all loved her. It is great to see the Tougias family happily living in the Randolph Street house and filling a row at Holy Name for Sunday Mass. Our best wishes to all of you.
mary blakesley
August 5, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom.We had many fun lunches on the Cape.She was the best!My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Mary McDonough Blakesley (E.Dennis,Ma.)
Catherine Leary
August 5, 2009
To All the Shea's
I am sorry I cannot be with you at this time. I would love to see and visit with each of you as you are special to me. I fondly remember the days on Blodgett Street, the "woods", cowboy hamburg, time at the Ocean where Brendy burned to a crisp, hoses sprayed through the dining room etc., etc. Know I will be praying with and for you these next few days. Peace
Catherine Leary ssj
Jack Foley
August 4, 2009
To the Shea family.I just wanted to say how sorry I am on your loss of your mother.She was a fantastic person.I can recall alot of fun at the house.Mike,Dee,Nona,and Theresa this is from your old friend,
Jack Foley
DIANA GIUGGIO
August 4, 2009
Dee, sorry to hear about your Mom. I worked with you at the Monarch Life Ins Co, years ago. I hope you remember me. I work now with Alex Tougias at Big Y in Longmeadow. Love to you and your famliy.
Martha Shea
August 4, 2009
Thinking of you all! As I had occasion to tell Dave a few weeks ago, I don't wish those last few weeks on anybody.
What memories we all have because of your wonderful parents. I bet they are watching Carson with my father now. I think I can hear the ice clinking.
Auntie Kay was the best!
Much love and prayer.
Donna Dupuis-Boyer
August 4, 2009
To J.P. and all of his siblings, I wish to extend my deepest condolences. It's been a very long time, but my memory is still in tact, and I remember what a big, beautiful and loving family your mother raised. I know you will all miss her dearly and hope you know that she is in a much better place. May you all find peace.
Many Blessings, Donna
Susan Poirier
August 4, 2009
I am very sorry to hear about Kay. I know she is much happier now but I will miss her. Love Susan
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