Bernadine Theresa Shea of Stonington Borough passed away on April 19, 2021 at Yale L&M Hospital after a six-month journey through numerous healthcare facilities. Throughout her journey, COVID quarantines created sever patient isolation and frustration on the part of those on the outside who cared about her.
Born October 5, 1945, Bernadine was one of the three children of Francis and Marion O'Neil Shea of New Haven, CT. She graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1963, earned a BA at the University of Missouri in 1967 and an M.Ed at the University of Bridgeport in 1972.
Since childhood, Bernadine was curious, fiercely independent, and social. She matured into a successful businesswoman living in Stratford, CT. At one time in her life, she ran the bustling coffee shop at the Stratford train station while also owning BEST Commercial Cleaners servicing major corporate clients in the great New Haven area.
In the mid-1980's, Bernadine became captivated with Stonington Borough in the Southeastern corner of Connecticut. Soon she established a second, part-time residency in the Borough as a respite from her Stratford obligations. A very friendly, gregarious, kind woman, Bernadine fell easily into the lifestyle in Stonington. Ultimately, she moved permanently to the Borough where she resided for more than 32 years.
Once living full-time in Stonington, Bernadine became a Certified Financial Educator and, for five years, taught business-related subjects at Morgan High School in Clinton. In the last few years, her efforts shifted to working with adults through another business she started - "Your Money Organizer" - helping individual clients do just what the name suggests.
Around town, Bernadine was recognized by many, especially when she was accompanied by Sammy, her precious Yorkie. Regardless of where she was, Sammy was usually with her. She volunteered at The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, was a member of Fresh Connections Mystic, attended events at the La Grua Center, maintained a membership at the Y, supported numerous local non-profit initiatives, and relished welcoming all to large outdoor parties at her home staged around Borough events like the Blessing of the Fleet. She practiced her belief in lifetime learning. Skillful at seeing connection possibilities among people, she made connections happen. She prided herself on her physical fitness. Beyond proud of her Irish heritage, over the years Bernadine made numerous trips back "home." Doolin a coastal village in County Clare on the Atlantic was her favorite. One year, she really outdid herself by running in the Dublin marathon!
Bernadine will be missed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. She was predeceased by her parents and two siblings - sister Elizabeth Ann and brother Jerome. She leaves behind cousins, most notably Robin Gartland of East Lyme, CT, Kaycee Gartland, Patrick Gartland, and Jay Gartland.
A private funeral service is planned at this time through Dinoto Funeral Home, Mystic. Please visit this website for more information about a celebration of her life being planned for this summer.
Bernadine's family and friends would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff in the Yale system (Westerly, New London and New Haven) for the compassionate care provided to Bernadine throughout her final journey. A very special thank-you is also extended to Janis and Ron Albamonti who have taken care of Sammy from the beginning.
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