EILEEN P. (DRISCOLL) SHEA

EILEEN P. (DRISCOLL) SHEA – of Woburn, died peacefully on May 24th at the age of 86.

The beloved wife of the late Joseph T. Shea and devoted mother of Kimberly and Stephen, Eileen passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a life defined by kindness, warmth, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Born in Boston, she was the cherished daughter of the late Maria (Flaherty) and John Driscoll, both immigrants from Ireland, and the youngest of their four children. Raised in Somerville, Eileen graduated from Matignon High School with the Class of 1957. She later worked for General Motors in downtown Boston, where she formed many lifelong friendships and enjoyed an active social life.

A dance at St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton in 1960 marked the beginning of a beautiful 54-year love story with Joseph T. Shea, the love of her life. They married in September of 1961 and began their life together in Cambridge before settling in West Woburn in 1967, where they created a home filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Their marriage was a true partnership and an inspiration to all who knew them until Joe’s passing in 2014.

Eileen was a loving and dedicated mother who devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She treasured attending dance recitals, hockey games, school events, and every milestone in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy came from caring for and spending time with her family. She especially adored her grandchildren, Timothy and Daniel Pratt, and delighted in the energy and laughter brought by the triplets, Redmond, Sloan, and Kiera Shea.

Known for her gentle spirit and welcoming nature, Eileen was a trusted confidant, loyal friend, and gracious hostess who loved bringing family together. She enjoyed ceramics, relaxing with her toes in the sand on Cape Cod and Aruba vacations, and sharing meals with loved ones at The Ninety Nine Restaurant.

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph T. Shea. Devoted mother of Kimberly M. Pratt and her husband Steve of Woburn, and Stephen J. Shea and his wife Kerry of Dallas, TX. Cherished Nana of Timothy and Daniel Pratt, and Redmond, Sloan, and Kiera Shea. Dear sister of the late M. Joan Shields and her husband William, and the late John and Paul Driscoll. Loving sister-in-law of the late Gertrude and Paul V. Shea, James E. Shea, Jr. and his late wife Irene, the late Francis X. Shea and his wife Maureen, and the late Virginia M. and Richard Doyle. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Eileen shared a particularly close and loving bond with her nieces, Maureen DiBiaso and Tricia Cangiano, who were like daughters to her.

Her Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 29th at 10 a.m. in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn. Burial will follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Friday morning prior to the Mass from 8:30-9:45 a.m. Remembrances may be made in her memory to Catholic Charities Boston, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 or at www.ccab.org.