Maureen R "O'Connor" Shea

Westfield – Maureen R. Shea, 81, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday morning, August 15, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas M. Shea, sister, Violet St. Marie, and brother, Joseph O'Connor. Maureen is greatly missed by her children Thomas J. (Diana) Shea, Erin M. Culross and Christopher M. (Janeen) Shea as well as her grandchildren Evan, Tyler, Nick, Allie and Sophie and the rest of her extended family. Maureen was born in Springfield, MA on May 24, 1944. She was the daughter of the late Joseph M. and Mafalda (Bartolucci) O'Connor and a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts. After graduating from Cathedral High School and Providence Hospital School of Nursing, she embarked on a career as a staff nurse at Wesson Memorial Hospital. After meeting her "Westfield" man at a St. Patrick's Day parade in Holyoke, Maureen and Tom were married on September 25, 1965 and soon moved out to their newly-built home in Wyben where they raised their family. It was quite the change for a city girl but she quickly adapted with the support of her new neighbors. Maureen's proudest achievement was her family. She was a steadfast presence in her children's and grandchildren's lives providing guidance, emotional support, yummy home cooked meals and even the occasional treat. Her tollhouse squares, buckeyes and grasshopper pies were delicious family traditions. She was an active participant in her children's activities, serving as a volunteer in their classrooms and 4H clubs, teaching CCD, and helping out at the many Wyben events. She particularly enjoyed sharing her love of arts and crafts and gardening. When her children went off to college, Maureen returned to her nursing roots as an elementary school nurse. She enjoyed working with the younger kids and they found her to be very compassionate and caring. After her retirement, she was devoted to spending time with her children and grandchildren and traveling with family and friends across the United States and Canada. Maureen's trademark infectious smile and warm kindly demeanor remained constant throughout her life. Her funeral will be held at Saturday, at 10AM in Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Mass at St. Mary's Church in Westfield on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. Calling hours will be 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad St, Westfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, act.alz.org. Firtionadams.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maureen R (O'Connor) Shea, please visit our floral store.