Doris M. (Richard) Shea

SHEA, Doris M. (Richard), of Reading passed on Sept. 20, 2018 at age 96.

Doris was born and raised in Chelsea, the eldest of 5 girls. As a young woman, she enjoyed attending mass with her family, being a part of the church choir, reading with an apple in hand and going out dancing. During World War II, she trained to become a nurse, kept in touch with neighborhood friends at War by writing them letters and met her future husband on a blind date. After the War, the two married and moved to Reading where they raised their three children, who all attended the St. Agnes School. Doris worked in the labor and delivery room for over 20 years at the Choate Memorial Hospital. She often talked about being stopped in the grocery story by people whose children she delivered. After retiring, Doris stayed active by hosting Christmas parties for her extended family and attending countless sporting and school related events for her grandchildren and great grandchild. Doris was also engaged in the Reading community: volunteering at the school library, serving lunch in the school cafeteria and working at the senior center. Always up to try new things, Doris gave cross-country skiing a go in her 70s, jet skiing in her 80s and snowmobiling in her 90s. Faith, especially a strong connection to the Blessed Virgin, guided Doris, as did her positive outlook. When asked by her grandchildren for advice about life, Doris said "just enjoy it", and she did.

Beloved wife of the late Frank Shea. Cherished mother of Donna Cloonan and her husband Joe and the late Stephen Shea and Michael Shea. Loving grandmother of Kim Gerrior and her husband Billy, Christine Cloonan, Brian Cloonan and his fiancé Lynn Liran, Lisa Cloonan, Matthew Shea and fiancé Brianna Lalmond, Ryan Shea and Colin Shea. Great grandmother of Shelby Gerrior. Dear sister of Annabelle Woods, Claire Nawoichyk, and the late Lorraine Anthony and Stella Callahan. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home (11 Linden St. Reading) on Tuesday September 25th at 9:30 am, followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Doris's Eternal Life at St. Athanasius Church (300 Haverhill St. Reading) at 10:30am. Interment Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading. Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Monday September 24th from 4 to 7 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants available. Please consider a donation in memory of Doris to the ESSCO-MGH Breast Cancer Research Fund (www.esscomgh.org).