Bridget Agnes Shea

6/17/1936 - 1/19/2025

Mystic - Bridget Agnes (McHugh) Shea passed on to eternal life Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, after 88 wonderful years and a short illness. She was preceded in death by her husband Leo D. Shea of Brooklyn, New York. They were married for over 45 years. Bridget was born June 17, 1936, to Patrick McHugh and Ellen (Dolan) McHugh in Drumhurrin, Glangevlin, County Cavan, Ireland.

When she first came to the United States, she worked as a telephone operator for AT&T. When she arrived, her cousin recommended that she refer to herself as "Betty," as there was a strong anti-Irish Catholic prejudice in New York at the time and it would be hard for her to get a job. Of course, with her beautiful red hair and gorgeous Irish complexion, there was no doubt where she was from, but the nickname held for most of her life. After raising her four sons, she worked as a switchboard operator for an answering service. Later in life, she was a home health aide and provided dedicated care and compassion for the elderly. Through this profession, she gained many new friends. She greatly enjoyed this time in her life, and it gave her great joy to be of help to so many people. She also loved caring for and spending time with her grandchildren, who recall so many fun weekends at Grandma and Pop's house as children.

Bridget was exceptionally proud of her Irish heritage. Along with her husband, she attended and participated in many Irish events and celebrations in the New London, and New York City area. She loved Irish music and all things Ireland. Coming from a family of traditional Irish musicians, she played the button accordion. She was known for her annual Saint Patrick's Day dinner and made her delicious Irish soda bread for all celebrations and on request for her children and grandchildren. She was a great cook and baker and passed many of her recipes on so we can continue to enjoy them. Bridget became a U.S. Citizen in 1983, and she loved to discuss the news at the local, state, national and international levels with great enthusiasm.

In addition to her parents, Bridget was predeceased by her brothers: Hugh, James, Patrick, Ted and Michael; and infant sisters, Susan and Annie McHugh. She is survived by her children: William P. Shea and his wife Carolyn of Middletown; Kevin M. Shea of Mystic; Thomas J. Shea and his wife Lisa of Stonington; and Terence M. Shea and his wife Ruth Damian of Waxhaw, N.C. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Bridgid Shea Perruna (Tom), William, and Cristina Shea, Hanna, Shannon, Amanda and Brenden Shea, Thomas Jr. and Duane Shea, and Santiago, Connor, and Sofia Shea, and her beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Eileen McGovern; her sister-in-law Philomena McHugh; and her nieces, nephews and many extended family members and dear friends in the United States, Ireland, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, March 19, at Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, Groton Long Point Road, Groton. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London.

Bridget loved flowers and she worked hard to make sure that she had a beautiful flower garden every year. It was one of the things that gave her great happiness. Because of this, we ask that gifts be made in her memory to Saint Edmund's Retreat at Enders Island in Mystic at: https://endersisland.org/donate. She absolutely adored the Resplendent Gardens and flowers there and loved to go visit and walk around the gardens. The Shea family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com for obituary information, directions and an online memorial register to leave a note of condolence.