Barbara L. (Harris) Shea

Brewster/Orange/New Salem - Barbara L. (Harris) Shea, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Benchmark Senior Living at Leominster Crossings with family by her side. Born in Fitchburg, she was the daughter of the late William and Catherine (Dempsey) Harris and a graduate of Orange High School. Barbara pursued her passion for nursing, graduating from Burbank Hospital School of Nursing. She shared her compassionate skills as a Registered Nurse at Athol Memorial Hospital both in the hospital and as a visiting nurse.

Barbara found true happiness by the beach, tending her garden and feeding the birds. She was an avid reader and loved to travel, but her greatest joy came from spending precious moments with her family and friends. Barbara was kind and compassionate with an amazing sense of humor. She cared deeply for those around her, and made an impact on many lives. Barbara treasured her roles as a wife, mother, and most importantly Nana. Barbara shared 53 beautiful years of marriage with the love of her life, the late Cornelius B. Shea, who preceded her in death in 2010.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, John Shea of Plymouth, and her daughter, Kate Moody, and her husband, William, of Princeton; her grandchildren, Patrick Shea, Mallory Good, Kelsey Granaudo, and Jacob Moody, as well as her great-grandchildren, Connie and Vincent Granaudo, and Shea and Josie Good, her brothers, Charles Harris and his wife, Beverly, of CT, Raymond Harris, of Athol and Timothy Harris and his wife, Irene, of NH; sister-in-law, Eileen Harris of NH; She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Barbara was also preceded in death by her brother, William J. Harris and her sister, Carol Bennett.

Relatives and friends are invited to join Barbara's family for visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ascend Hospice, 352 Belmont St., Worcester, MA 01604. To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.