Pearl Marie Shea

Pearl (“Pudgy”) Shea, 89, of Springfield, MA passed away on Friday December 19, 2025, at Baystate Wing Hospital, Palmer MA, where she was in the company of her loving family.

Pearl was born December 8, 1936, in Ludlow, MA, the daughter of the late Alexander and Lottie (Piecuch) Shader. She graduated, salutatorian of her class, from St Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She married Thomas D. Shea on April 23, 1960. He pre-deceased her on February 25, 2015. To her dying day, Pearl wore her wedding ring as commitment to her marriage. Pearl worked outside the home as a secretary and agency claims representative in local insurance offices. However, her real joy and anchor was home. A quiet, proud and independent person, she instilled similar values in her children.

Pearl is survived by her three children, Maureen Marotte, Kevin (Tracie), and Bryan (Jenn). She is also survived by seven grandchildren Daryll (Justine), Alex, Benjamin (Marissa) Marotte, Maura, Elizabeth, Madeleine (Tom)Shea, and Johanna (Wes) Bortnick and six great grandchildren (Travis, Ethan, Connor, Ella, Matthew and Amelia). Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her much joy. Through the ups, downs and all else, she was there for her family over the years. Pearl had many cousins, and, through her husband, nieces and a nephew in her extended family.

Pearl was an avid reader, gardener, artistic crocheter and cook. Pearl made sure all were kept warm with her Irish fisherman sweater pattern crochet blankets. Considering this time of year, her Christmas cookies come to mind. For years, she baked her standards and added a few “experiments”. The popular experiments were added to the coming year’s standards. The range and number of Pearl’s cookies could be the envy of many a bakery. Her plates of cookies were anticipated by many entering the Christmas season.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to Holy Cross Parish 221 Plumtree Road Springfield, MA 01118 or St Thomas Aquinas High School, 2801 SW 12th St, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312.

The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Baystate Wing Hospital and Lifecare Center of Wilbraham for the wonderful care Pearl received in her final days.

A private memorial service will be held Friday January 2, 2026. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on her memorial page at New England Funeral and Cremation Center.