Gertrude Agnes Shea

It is with profound sadness but with memories of a life well-lived, that the Shea family announces the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gertrude Shea on April 11, 2026 at the age of 95.

Born on November 1, 1930 in Killaloe, Ontario to the late John and Lucy (Chapeski) Levair, Gertrude was predeceased by her loving husband Ernie and her siblings Margaret McClement, Rose Levair, Louise Taylor, and brothers Angus Levair, Jerome Levair (Jerry). She is survived by sister Joan Dombroski, brother-in-law John Dombroski, sister-in-law Claudette Levair, and many nieces and nephews.

In her late teens Gertrude moved to Kitchener where she met and married her sweetheart Earnest Shea (Ernie). Together they had four children, Ed (Theresa), Donna, Nancy (John), and Jim (Louise). She loved her family deeply and gave generously of her time, her energy and her endless love. She delighted in being a Gramma to Jeremy, Jeffrey, Michael, Emy, Meaghan and Devin. She took much pleasure in her great-grandchildren as well. The stories, the fun, the laughs, the dancing, the lessons, and the love all endure, never to be forgotten.

Gertrude was a “career caregiver”. Over the years, many parents entrusted the care of their precious children to her charge. There were too many to count, but she loved each and every one of them, and they returned that love to her. She cared for aging friends and neighbours, driving them to appointments, assisting them with groceries, and running their errands. When they became too frail, Gertrude simply spent time with them, reminding them that they always had a friend that they could count on.

Gertrude loved her family home on Perth Road. After Ernie’s death in 2004, she was determined to remain living there and she did so well into her eighties. “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken,” she’d say. But as the years passed and she grew older she adopted a new saying, “I’ll never get old again”. Wise words. Gertrude’s health eventually required her to move into assisted living/care, first at Conestoga Lodge Retirement Residence and later, Forest Heights Long-Term Care. Gertrude’s family is especially grateful to the dedicated staff at Hewson House for their attentive, loving care. They became her second family, and despite their busy days, they always had a smile, hug or playful greeting for her.

As a woman of faith, Gertrude embraced the promise of eternal life, and re-uniting with her loved ones and especially her beloved Ernie. She will be deeply and forever missed by her loving family and friends.

Gertrude's family will welcome relatives and friends for the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 49 Blueridge Ave., Kitchener, on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with Father Murray McDermott, C.R., officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington, 116-82 Wilson Ave., Kitchener, ON N2C 1G5.