Eleanor G. Shea

Eleanor Grace Shea died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at the age of 93 years. Born on April 11, 1929 at Irvington General Hospital to Ella (Trabold) and Edward Helmstetter, of 24 Cresent Avenue, Newark, NJ. Eleanor lost her father at the age of 9 and grew up with her mother and two sisters Rosemary Czajkowski and Margaret Lake.

Eleanor graduated from Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Class of 1947 of Newark, NJ. After graduating high school Eleanor worked for several years at the Prudential Company. In 1952, Eleanor married Raymond A. Shea of the Newark Fire Department and began her family. Eleanor was a dedicated and loving wife and mother who cultivated a home where everyone knew they were welcomed and all of her children’s friends belonged.

In addition to loving and caring for her family, Eleanor also loved the Church. She was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Newark helping found the Legion of Mary and serving as a Den Mother. In 1995, she became a parishioner at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, Toms River, NJ. She was a zealous member to St. Maximilian Choir, Rosary Society, Legion of Mary, and a Eucharistic Minister who ministered to the homebound of St. Maximilian. She was a tireless worker who always found time for her church and its’ parishioners, she also loved volunteering her time for fundraising efforts with the church ie; hosting several gift auctions, bake sales and flower sales.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband Raymond A in 2014, and is survived by her children: Edward Shea and his wife Eileen, Maureen Grabosky and her husband Thomas, Raymond Shea and his wife Sandra, Michael Shea, Anne Marie O’Keefe and her husband Timothy and Thomas Shea and his wife Noreen. She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, her sister, Margaret, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Rd., Toms River. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, October 14, 2022 10 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, Toms River. Interment will be private.

In Lieu of flowers please Pray the Rosary or offer a Mass for the souls in Purgatory.