Patricia Shea
Patricia Ann Shea, 87, of Volga, died Saturday, February 2, 2019, in her home. She was surrounded by her family. Patty was born January 24, 1932, in Volga, Iowa, to Charles and Mary Josephine (Neylan) Bennington.
She attended country school until 8th grade and then attended Volga High School. On November 22, 1949, Patty was united in marriage to Joseph (Jim) Shea and seven children were born to this union.
Patty loved to bake for her family and friends and found true joy in sharing her sweets with those who visited. Her homemade cinnamon rolls, ice cream, angel food cake and cream puffs were longtime favorites of many, but in the recent past the homemade ice cream sandwiches had become the new favorite among young and old alike. She took the greatest joy in having people open her freezer door and reach into the bucket for an ice cream sandwich they knew she would have waiting there.
Over the years she amazed her family with her many talents and level of commitment. She worked alongside her husband, Jim, as owner/operator of Shea’s DX handling the book work, pumping gas and repairing tires when needed. There was not a task that intimidated her, she was a lifelong learner who never complained when faced with a tough job and was forever grateful for her ability to work and help others.
Over the years she enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing and tending to her flower beds. However, her favorite thing was to sit over a cup of coffee and have a good visit. Her kitchen table was a gathering place for counsel, comfort and laughter. Those who joined her there soon knew they would find love freely shared. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her seven children, Anna Mae Leichliter of Elgin, Roseann (Ronald) Fedeler of Luana, Mary Jo (Edward) Fettkether of Volga, Chuck (Natalie) Shea of Elkader, Mike (Donna) Shea of Clarence, Martin (Laurie) Shea of Leon and Teresa (Scott) Bushman of Clermont. Twenty one grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and one step great great grandchild; sisters, Catherine McTaggart of Volga, Di Ann (Nick) Peterman of Vinton and Rita Dillon of Cedar Rapids; sister-in law, Mary Shea of Waverly; and many nieces and nephews.
Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Jim (1999); grandson, Eddie Fettkether; parents, Charlie and Josephine Bennington; mother and father in law, James and Cornelia Shea; sisters, Shirley Biederman and Lucy Steed; brothers, John and James Bennington; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou McTaggart, Emegene Shea, Patty (Probert) Shea and Peggy Shea; brothers-in-law, Oliver Biederman, Bill Steed, Ed Dillon, Dennis McTaggart, Bill Shea, Dan Shea, Bud Shea and Gene Shea.
Visitation was from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volga. A Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Volga, Iowa with Rev. John Haugen as the celebrant.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com