Published October 30, 2020
MELROSE — Mary Jane Shea Richmond, 97, of Melrose, formerly of Gloucester and Malden, joined her dear sister Barbara Shea Driscoll and brother Peter Shea in eternal life on Oct. 20.
Born to Honora (Regan) and John J. Shea, she leaves her beloved sister and best friend Pauline Shea, as well as loving and devoted nieces and nephews Sheila Driscoll and Cliff Brown, Colleen and Scott Kinder, James (Jeff) and Margaret Driscoll, John (Jack) and Marion Driscoll, Gail and Mike Burati, and Julie and Francis (Fran) Nolan. She is also survived by 11 great- and five great-great-nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Malden, graduating from Malden High School and the Malden Business School. She began her career as a flight attendant for Northwest Orient Airlines, worked for National Research Corp., and completed her career at the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co.
Mary loved to travel the world and never met a stranger. She corresponded with hundreds of people over her lifetime, never forgetting a birthday, anniversary or holiday, and writing on her IBM Selectric until it gave out a few short years ago. She was known at the post office as their best customer.
Mary loved gatherings of all kinds and had the rare gift of making everyone she spoke with feel they were the only person in the room. At departure time, she’d gather her things and say, “I hate to see me go.” A cup of coffee was always welcomed, morning, noon or night, at home or her favorite Melrose coffee shops: Breads ‘n’ Bits of Ireland and D’Amici’s. Mary was grounded in her faith and prayed for anyone in need every day. She lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish, 4 Herbert Street, Melrose. Interment was private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary’s honor to the Fitch Home, 75 Lake Ave., Melrose, MA 02176 or to St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish at the aforementioned address. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.
