Marjorie Shea

Marjorie Lenore Cashin Shea died on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at St. John’s Hospital. She was born September 10, 1922 in Moweaqua, IL the daughter of Earl and Mary Norris Cashin. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, Eastern Illinois University and Sangamon State University. She married Lawrence F. Shea on August 18, 1945. Mrs. Shea was an elementary school teacher for 28 years in Christian County, Tri-Cities, Taylorville and Springfield Public Schools. She also taught in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and in Catholic schools in Illinois. She organized the legislative committee of the Illinois Retired Teachers’ Association and was very active in the organization from 1982 to 1995. She worked on legislation to improve pension funding (Senate Bills 95 and 533) and benefits for teachers who had been retired for many years. Mrs. Shea was also a trustee for the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System from 1988 to 1992. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America. She also managed farm property. Mrs. Shea was an Irish Democrat. Her parents, two sisters Mary Lorraine and Maxine, brother Jim, daughter Maureen Shea Smith and son Earl (Rusty) Shea preceded her in death. Mrs. Shea is survived by her husband, Lawrence, her sons Dennis Shea, Daniel Shea, Timothy Shea, Kevin (wife, Anne) Shea, daughter-in-law Susan Shea, six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one step-great grandchild and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Marjorie’s infectious joy did not end with her famous cheerful greeting. Her positive and uplifting conversations blessed everyone lucky enough to talk to her. Ever the teacher, guidance was only part of the confidence and determination with which she left you. Standing up for what was right and not backing down was a hallmark of her persona. Being a mother of six children and teaching full time since 1942 are only part of her achievements. In 1982, without missing a beat, she moved from full time teacher to lobbyist and political organizer for the Illinois Retired Teachers’ Association. Her greatest joys were her husband, special daughter, sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends, rejoicing and thankful with all her heart, all her life. Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL with Fr. Michael Haag officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart – Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Marjorie Lenore Cashin Shea is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.