Kathleen “Kay” Marie (Maunsell) Shea passed away on August 21, 2026, after a long illness at the age of 87.
Born in Waterbury Connecticut, Kay was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Kearney) Maunsell. She is predeceased by her sister Patricia (Maunsell) Caron and brother Michael Maunsell.
She graduated Waterbury Catholic High School class of 1956 and attended Post Junior College. She worked for Judge Healey and the Healey Law Firm and Chase Brass & Copper Company.
Kay later married the love of her life – John Shea. Together, they raised four children – John, Jim, Erin and Tara – and instilled in them the same traditional values that they held dear. Later, her seven grandchildren would affectionately refer to her as ‘Nana’.
Kay will be lovingly remembered by her husband John Shea, by her children John Shea II, Jim and his wife Ellen Shea, Erin (Shea) and her husband Kevin Kearney, Tara (Shea) and her husband Bill Leete; by her grandchildren Katie Barsevich, Kevin and his wife Rachel Shea, Kelly (Shea) and her husband Stanley Mathew, Shannon (Barsevich) and her husband Dan Chicoine, Conor Leete, Regan Leete and Norah Leete; by her cherished friends and extended family; and by the countless people whose lives she touched.
Kay was a loving wife, home maker, mother, grandmother, care giver, friend and confidant. She turned a house into a home. She enjoyed Irish step and ballroom dancing, the outdoors, tending to the flower garden, taking long walks with her husband, baking deserts, traveling and building fond memories with family and friends.
Friends and family are kindly invited to visiting hours from 10:00 am to noon on Tuesday August 25, 2026, at the Miller Macari Family Funeral Home, 260 Bank St, Seymour, CT. The memorial service will commence at noon. Burial will follow immediately at Calvary Cemetery, 2324 E Main St, Waterbury, CT.
Remembrance donations can be made in Kay’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or any charitable organization of your choice.