CHICOPEE - Bridget M. (O'Connor) Shea, a devoted mother, loving wife, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully, unexpectedly, on May 16, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ballyhea Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland on July 17, 1954, a beloved daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Collins) O'Connor. She resided in Springfield’s Hungry Hill section and Chicopee for many years, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. She was raised and educated in Ireland. At a young age, she moved to England, where all her siblings immigrated to and worked as a machine operator for a short time, then later immigrating to America. She came to the Hungry Hill section of Springfield where she met the love of her life, Thomas. She was employed by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority for many years. She had a very strong faith and was a communicant of Sacred Heart Parish and a longtime communicant of Our Lady of Hope Church, both in Springfield. She was so happy to get to retire and spend time with her family and watch her grandchildren. Bridget was a true pillar of her family, always prioritizing their well-being and happiness. She was known for her amazing home cooked meals, her baking, generosity, patience, strength and her unwavering support for her children and grandchildren. She was proud of her Irish heritage. She lived for her family and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. She always put others first, had a calming presence and always made everyone feel welcome. During her leisure time, she enjoyed vacationing, especially cruising and casino trips with her husband and family, endless trips and adventures with her daughter, bonding with her son, especially exchanging stories of both their childhoods and Irish culture, spending time outdoors and walking. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, friends and grandchildren. She leaves her beloved husband of 46 years, Thomas J. Shea Jr. She also leaves her two loving children, Tara A. Shea-Leandro and her husband, Jeffrey, of Ludlow, and Thomas J. Shea III and his partner, Heather Garcia, of Chicopee; her cherished grandchildren whom she adored, Fiona and Liam Leandro and Gabriella Shea; her sister-in-law, Patricia O’Connor of Ireland and her daughters, Dawn and Tara O’Connor, of England; her brother-in-law, Cornelius Shea and his wife, Deirdre, her sisters-in-law, Mary G. Shea, Theresa Pelletier and her husband, Scott; and her many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends in the United States, England, and Ireland. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her dear sister, Katherine "Kitty" O’Connor; and her dear brothers, Thomas O’Connor and Maurice "Moss" O’Connor. Her family is grateful for the excellent care she received from all the staff and physicians at Mercy Medical Center. Her family will receive friends on Thursday morning, May 22, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 which will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Her burial will follow the Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield, MA 01129. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Bridget Shea to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift .To leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com