Sarah Kathryn Shea

Sarah Kathryn Shea— devoted mother, affectionate daughter, loving sister, and beloved “candy aunt” to her many nieces and nephews— passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026 at her home in Nashville at the age of 62. She was born on July 11, 1963 in Nashville, TN to Edward (Eddie) and Imogene (Jean) Shea and was the sixth of seven siblings.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Megan Elizabeth Whaley, who was her life’s greatest joy; her parents, Edward Joseph Shea and Imogene Cooper Shea; Adella Riley (Nanny Della); and Robert Corenswet (brother-in-law).

Sarah is survived by her six siblings, Mary Jane Baldwin (Dr. Linda Ford), Lucy Corenswet, Michael Shea (Angela), Ellen Donlon (Pat), Elizabeth Campbell, and Brigid Lustig (Mark). She was blessed to have 17 nieces and nephews, 31 great-nieces and nephews, and a host of very special cousins, all of whom loved her and will miss her dearly.

Sarah attended Overbrook School, St. Cecilia Academy (class of 1981), and later graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Nursing.

Following her mother’s passion for helping others through nursing, Sarah built a meaningful career that included work at Vanderbilt Child and Psychiatric Hospital, First Mental Health, and Dual Diagnosis, before serving with the State of Tennessee. For the past 20 years, she worked as a Public Health Nursing Consultant with TennCare Medicaid, where she was known for her dedication, skill, and compassion and was deeply respected by her colleagues.

Sarah always loved sports from a young age; basketball, soccer, and tennis were among her favorites, and as a young adult, she enjoyed playing on recreational teams. As a mother, she especially loved being on the sidelines cheering on Megan at St. Henry & St. Cecilia basketball and softball games.

Her free time was spent antiquing on the weekends with her mom, working in the yard tending to her special angel garden, and spending many evenings watching sporting events with her brother Michael while cheering on their favorite teams.

Those who knew Sarah also knew that she had a great love for cats. Her beloved cat, Scoobey, held a special place in her heart, bringing her great comfort for many years. Sarah’s pure heart and deep spirit touched all who knew her. Her faith in God remained unwavering, especially through life’s struggles. She leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Cecilia Academy (for the new Wellness and Athletic Center), 4210 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205.

The family will receive friends at St. Henry Catholic Church on Monday, April 20, from Noon - 1:00 p.m., one hour prior to the Burial Mass. A private family burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Patrick Baldwin, Matthew Corenswet, David Donlon, Kevin Campbell, Brandt Campbell, John Donlon, Joe Lustig, Grady Shea, and Cooper Shea. They are joined in spirit by their cousins, Timothy Baldwin and Stephen Donlon, who are lovingly remembered.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnelly.com for the Shea family.