Ellen Mary Shea

April 24, 1937 - May 09, 2026

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Obituary for Ellen Mary Shea

Ellen Mary Shea of Milton, MA, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 9, 2026. She was 89 years old, having celebrated a recent birthday on April 24.

“Mixie,” as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, was born and raised in Jamaica Plain, and was the adored daughter of Walter L. McSwiney and Elizabeth “Betty” McSwiney. Mixie is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Richard J. Shea D.M.D., with whom she began a loving relationship 75 years ago as high school sweethearts. She is also survived by her children, Richard W. Shea, D.M.D., and his wife Jane, of Milton, Beth Ellen Shea of Milton, Kevin J. Shea and his wife Marlene of Milton, and Brian M. Shea, D.M.D., and his wife Jada of Braintree, as well as her nine cherished grandchildren: Madelyne, Adrienne Ellen, Stella, Lila, Mason, Cooper, Nora Ellen, Caitlin Ellen, and Audrey. She is also survived by her dear brother Walter L. McSwiney, also of Milton, and predeceased by her younger brother James C. McSwiney.

Mixie was a Latin Scholar at Girls Latin School ’55, and then attended Regis College, where she majored in English and German, graduating summa cum laude in 1959. Mixie married the love of her life, Richard, on July 8, 1961. The daughter of educators—her father a long-time principal and mother an elementary school teacher, both in the Boston Public School system—Mixie taught first grade in Cambridge public schools for three years before having her first child. She then dedicated her life to raising a family. Mixie was a person of devout faith and unwavering belief in God, which was paramount to her, her husband, and their family. Over the years, Mixie loved being on Cape Cod with her husband during the summer months, particularly as it was a gathering spot for their children, their grandchildren, her brother Walter, and her late sister-in-law Eileen McSwiney, and so many friends at Oyster Harbors Club.

She was recognized this past March by Beth Israel Deaconess Milton Hospital with a Lifetime Achievement Award for dedicating 55 years of her life to managing the hospital’s gift shop, entirely as a volunteer. As the shop’s manager, she was responsible for its overall operation, including managing the volunteer staff, organizing the store, and providing exceptional service to visitors. She oversaw all the purchasing for shop inventory, which began with flowers and cards and later expanded to include clothing, jewelry, toys, and various other gifts. During that time, she was credited with helping the shop to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hospital, proceeds that went directly to patient care. She also volunteered as a troop/den leader for the Girl Scouts, Brownies, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts in Milton.

Mixie was a natural athlete, excelling at golf, figure skating, and tennis. As an avid tennis player throughout her life, she competed at the amateur level for various club tennis teams, including the Randolph and Weymouth Clubs. She also coached tennis for many years at Fontbonne Academy in Milton. She had a green thumb, especially with a knack for growing peonies, Persian irises, roses, orchids, violets, tulips, New Guinea impatiens, and pansies, among other flowers and plants. She loved birds, with a particular fondness for cardinals, house finches, robins, and goldfinches.

Mixie had an infectious smile and a wonderful sense of humor, as well as God-given grace, boundless energy, remarkable humility, fierce loyalty, and unconditional love for her husband, her family, and her friends. She left a lasting impression on the lives of everyone she met.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, St. Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton, MA, 02186. Interment Milton Cemetery, immediately following the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to support the dementia research of neurologist Dr. Andrew Stern of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Contributions can be made to “Brigham and Women’s Hospital” with “In memory of Ellen M. Shea” in the memo line and sent to the Mass General Brigham Development Office, 399 Revolution Drive, Suite 1330, Somerville, MA 02145, or visit bwhgiving.org/memorial to make a gift online.

Services

16 May

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Our Lady of the Visitation Parish (Saint Elizabeth Church) 350 Reedsdale Road Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
16 May

Interment

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • May 20, 2026

    Janet Evans

    Sending love and prayers to the Shea family grieving this enormous loss. Ellen was such a wonderful and beautiful person inside and out. I worked with her at Milton Hospital for eleven years and she was always positive, welcoming, kind, energetic and passionate about the gift shop. Her shop volunteers and the staff loved her. She had a great eye for merchandise, arranged the shop in an appealing way, rarely took credit for all she accomplished and enjoyed her customer interactions. Ellen was one of the reasons I loved my job. I always enjoyed hearing stories of her children and grandchildren. They did an amazing job at the funeral service. She was so proud of them. Take care during this time of grief. Janet Evans and Mike Vhay

  • May 15, 2026

    Patty Oey

    Our hearts are broken and we wish the entire Shea family love and comfort in wonderful memories of such a remarkable woman. She was such a great part of the tapestry of memories we both have from spending time with her at the Oyster Harbors tennis shop. Love from Patty and Ted Coté

  • May 15, 2026

    Marc Young

    What a beautiful tribute to a truly wonderful person and a wonderful life. Deepest sympathy to the Shea family.

  • May 14, 2026

    Maureen Hurley

    My condolences. I never met your Mom but did attend Latin school class of 1973, her Alma mater. She sounds like a truly amazing woman who radiated kindness and love throughout her life. I would expect this from any GLS grad. But your mom sounds like the top tier of the class. Maureen O'Connor Hurley GLS 1973

  • May 14, 2026

    Bill Mahoney

    Kevin, so sorry to read of your mother's passing. Wishing you and your family all the best at this difficult time. Bill Mahoney

  • May 14, 2026

    Dick Horan

    Prayers and condolences for a very special lady. While she was quiet, gentle and loving she always had the time and energy to reach out to help and support others. Love to all, Dick Horan and Family

  • May 14, 2026

    Bob McAllister

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shea family from all of the McAllister's.

  • May 12, 2026

    Pamela Birkenfeld

    Such a wonderful person! As a fellow volunteer, I always told her that half my wardrobe came from the Milton Hospital gift shop! She had a good eye! She will be missed by all. Pam B.