Dorothy A. (DePalma) Shea

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother

Dorothy A. Shea, 88, of Prospect passed on to be with the Lord while surrounded by her loving family on June 24, 2024. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Donald R. Shea, Sr. Dorothy was born November 17, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Joseph and Anna (DeCarmine) DePalma and sister to Michael DePalma and Marie Bellini, all of whom were waiting in Heaven to welcome her.

Dorothy centered her life around her family, her faith, and her passion for giving. She was a “Jill of all Trades” and passed this knowledge lovingly onto her children and grandchildren. Dorothy served the town of Prospect as Registrar of Voters, a Justice of the Peace, and volunteered at countless elections and school events. She also gave generously to those in need and sponsored families in developing nations over the years. As a woman of great faith, she traveled the world to many religious sites in pilgrimage with her sister and friends, bringing back treasures and stories to cherish for many years to come. Dorothy spent countless days these past years centered on her time with her best friend, Maria, in prayer and Bible study with her prayer groups. Food was Dorothy’s love language, and you could always expect to be fed a good, homecooked, Italian meal topped off with plenty of laughter when you visited.

Dorothy was blessed with three children, ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Our family thanks you Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma for the many prayers, enveloping hugs, gentle guidance, homecooked meals, family traditions, and the sacrifices you lovingly made for us. Our hearts are forever filled with your love (and meatballs) and will cherish all the memories we made together. You will be so missed.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Mary Erdmann (Richard) of Prospect, Donald Shea, Jr. (Donna) of Bethany and Joseph Shea (Kathleen) of Mass, as well as her cherished grandchildren: Kristin McDonald (Garrett) of Naugatuck, Frank Moss Jr. of Prospect, Adam Moss (Cody) of NY, Amy Matejek (Matt) of Monroe and Angelina Gallivan of Prospect, Donald Shea, III of Bethany, Jonathan (Holly) of Bethany, Ryan Shea (Skyler) of Cheshire, Jessica King (Michael) of Mass., and Kenneth Shea (Shana) of Farmington, as well as her adorable thirteen great grandchildren.  Dorothy also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins, and her best friend, Maria Colangelo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect. All those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Interment will immediately follow at All Saints Cemetery, Waterbury. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 5pm to 7 pm at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for Dorothy’s family throughout their grief journey. Please visit www.prospectmemorial.com to share your favorite photos, memories, and condolences.

Dorothy’s family would like to thank the Hartford HealthCare Hospice caregivers for their skill, support, and compassion as well as Dorothy’s home health aides Dorrett and Sylvia; your love, gentle care and friendship will always be treasured. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at ww.alz.org.

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