Eileen Patricia Shea

Eileen Patricia Shea (Cassidy), 81, passed away peacefully, and surrounded by her loving family on May 5th, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Bill Shea, and daughters Maureen (Jesus) Aguirre, Patricia (Jim) Barton and Joyce (Robb) Oyer, and six grandchildren James Barton, Kate Barton, J. William Aguirre, Emma Aguirre, Liam Oyer, and Riley Oyer. Her brother, Rod (Cathy) Cassidy is the only remaining member of her generation of the Cassidy family. Eileen is predeceased by her Mother Winifred (Cregg), Father Hugh Cassidy and siblings: Hugh J Cassidy (Betty), Jim Cassidy (Joan), Jack (Maureen) Cassidy, Raymond (Jane) Cassidy, Tom (Claudia) Cassidy, and only sister Marion (John) Brew. She was also loved by over 50 nieces and nephews across the United States.

Eileen was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York. The youngest of eight children, she was the apple of her father’s eye. She attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary school and graduated from St. Francis High School. She told fond stories of the neighborhood block parties, Sunset Park swimming pool and Coney Island sands; however, being a redhead and pale skinned Irish meant a lifetime of avoiding sunburn. After graduating high school, she was advised not to attend nursing school and instead felt a calling to serve others as a nun. As a part of her novitiate, she was sent to beg in front of local banks. To be sure she collected her share, her father would send his workers to donate to her collection. Eileen decided that the convent was not the life for her and she began working at a bank where she met her dear friend, Sheila Gilmartin, with whom she remained close friends with until her passing.

Eileen met Bill in 1965 at a “Last Chance Dance” for Catholic singles. They lived on the same street in Bay Ridge, just a block apart, and attended the same grammar school. Although she famously told him she would “think about” his marriage proposal, they married in 1966 and had the kind of loving and supportive relationship others admired.

Eileen had enjoyed her job on Wall Street, but after announcing her pregnancy with her first child, was let go from her role. She gave birth to three wonderful daughters, Maureen, Patricia and Joyce- the “Shea Girls”. While raising her children in Colonia, New Jersey, she was involved in many school, church and community activities. Eileen’s home was always open to everyone and she was an amazing hostess who enjoyed welcoming friends and family for get togethers big and small.

In 1983, the family made the decision to move west and landed in Mesa, Arizona. Eileen began working in Montessori education and it was there she found her true calling. In 1986, Eileen went back to school to earn her certification from the Association of Montessori International. In 1988, she began Desert Shadow Montessori in the basement of her home. She then purchased an office building on University Drive and spent months preparing it as a special place for children to learn and grow. With just seven preschoolers, she began a business that was ultimately her lifetime achievement. Hundreds of children have passed through the doors of Desert Shadows and were blessed with having “Miss Eileen” as their teacher. Prior students and parents alike still return to the school and share fond memories. Her happiest and most fulfilling times were those nearly 20 years that she was Directress of DSM. After her daughter Patricia Barton became owner/directness in 2002, Eileen continued to volunteer at the school and until recently came to the school to have children read to her.

Eileen’s life revolved around selflessly bringing joy to others. Family and friends were drawn to her warm, welcoming spirit. Among her many activities in the community and churches, Eileen volunteered at St. Bridget Catholic Church in a variety of roles, but most famously assisting and organizing the large St. Patrick’s Day parties for the church. These St. Patrick’s Day parties then moved to her home and each year folks would look forward to the fun spirited celebration. She also enjoyed supporting her grandchildren’s many activities from gymnastics, basketball, soccer, baseball and football to choir, art, dance, violin and piano.

As a teacher of young children, Eileen believed in seeing the world through the joy and hope of the child and built a school and a community surrounding those beliefs. To her friends, Eileen cared for, welcomed and gave unconditionally. Her door was always open and there was always a chair for all at her table. For her family, she was a loving grandmother, mother, wife, sister and aunt who loved, guided, supported, and encouraged her family in so many countless and beautiful ways.

Her loss is great for those blessed with knowing her, but she will live forever in the hearts and minds of the many lives she touched.

Due to current conditions, a private service will be held for immediate family members on May 19th and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Jude’s, an organization Eileen had a special connection to (www.stjude.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).