Obituary of Barbara Shea

Barbara Shea, age 91 of Shelton, beloved wife of the late Edward Shea, died peacefully on January 14, 2023, with her family by her side at the Apple Rehab Shelton Lakes Health Care Center.  Born in Derby on January 4, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Agnes Dwelesky Mickewich.

Barbara graduated from Ansonia High School class of 1949 and worked in the office at Oats Brothers in Shelton until she married at age 19. During the 1960’s she was employed at Griffin Hospital as a Psychiatric Case Aid and Medical Secretary and in the mid 1970’s worked for the Southbury Post Office as a clerk until she retired.  She was most proud of the work she did in the AA organization and the support and wise guidance she was able to give to so many people upon their life paths. Known for coining the phrase “let your attitude be gratitude”, words she truly lived by every day of her life as all who knew her will attest to. Barbara’s indelible spirit will live on in all our hearts, and those she touched with her graceful presence and caring ways.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Barbara Joan O’Neil and her husband Art of Seymour; cherished grandchildren, Bonnie Jones and her companion, Steve Andrews of Derby, Jillian Bassett of Milford and Ian Bassett and his wife Mary Catherine of CA.  In addition to her late husband Edward Shea, she was predeceased by her son, Michael J. Conroy; her first husband, John B. Conroy and her second husband, John Heffernan.  Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia.  Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia, will be private.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, prior to the service.  A special Thanks to the caring staff at Apple Rehab at Shelton Lakes where Barbara resided and called it 'her big house'. Thank you for helping care of our precious elders and for enhancing quality of life by the quality of your presence.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.