Laconia---Madeline Shea of Lakeport passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2012. She was born Madeleine Louise Hebert on May 21, 1929, one of seven children of Paul and Berthe (Lapointe) Hebert.
She was a gracious woman with many talents who was cherished by her family and friends. She was married for 52 years to Joseph Shea, Sr., who passed away in 2003. She is survived by her loving family, her sisters, Therese Dargie of Franklin and Muriel Fortin of Lakeport, and her seven children: Kathleen Pechman of Arizona; Denise Shea of Kansas; Lisa Hemeon and her husband, Byron, of Belmont; Joseph Shea, Jr., and his wife, Lorie, of Arizona; Theresa Mattor and her husband, Paul, of Maine; Christine Callahan and her fiancé, Stanley Stevens, of Canterbury and Joel Shea and his wife, Carol, of Belmont. She adored her grandchildren, Matthew Shea, Corri Shea, Jesse Rolland, Casey Rolland, Riley Mattor, Kathleen Shea, Madeline Callahan, and Shea Callahan, as well as her great-grandchildren, Aydan and Cole Clark. She was also close to numerous nieces and nephews. She loved the sunshine and looked forward to spending winters with her daughter, Kathy, in Arizona where she was well-loved by extended family.
Madeline sewed at Sweaterville in Lakeport and then at Laconia Manufacturing for many years. Most recently she volunteered at the Lakes Region General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop in Laconia. She was a talented painter who enjoyed surprising her children and grandchildren with portraits of special events, such as dance recitals or fishing at camp. She was always busy with handmade projects -- quilting, crocheting, and helping family and friends with sewing projects. These special gifts will always be reminders of her love and talent.
Madeline found great comfort in her Catholic faith and was a communicant of Our Lady of the Lakes Church for decades, until its recent closing. Madeline was a quiet woman with strong convictions, particularly about offering unconditional support for those in need. She especially stressed the importance of family across the generations. Her calm, peaceful nature will be sadly missed.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 11:00AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, followed by burial at 1:00PM at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to St. André Bessette Parish, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.