ESSEX-Mary A. (Shea) Birch, 88, of 8 Patriot Landing, formerly of 19 Clive Street, Worcester, died Wednesday, June 29th at the home of her daughter. Her husband Joseph N. Birch died in 1999. She leaves 2 daughters; Marianne McWilliams of Sierra Vista, AZ and Karen Birch of Essex, 2 sisters; Anne Flynn of Mansfield and Christine Parolis of Shrewsbury, and 2 granddaughters. A brother George Shea and a sister Rita Zollendorf predeceased her.
She was born in Worcester the daughter of Patrick and Anna (Dowd) Shea and was a graduate of Commerce High School. Mrs. Birch had been employed by the former Worcester County National Bank, and later by the City of Worcester Tax Assessor’s Office. She was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish and its Woman’s Club, and enjoyed bowling.
The funeral is Saturday, July 2nd from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, July 1st from 3:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 16 Vineyard Street, Worcester, MA 01603.