Mary J. Shea

Mary J. (Knoblauch) Shea, age 78, passed away in her South Walpole, Massachusetts home on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Born on her parent's farm in Johnstown, New York on September 14, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Myrtle (Smith) Knoblauch. She was raised in Johnstown, attending the one room school house, before graduating from Johnstown High School as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1958. Her academic excellence earned Mary a scholarship to Boston University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree with a focus in accounting in 1962.

Mary welcomed her son, Thomas, in 1963 and her daughter, Janette, in 1964, and together they all settled in Walpole in 1968. After settling in Walpole, Mary quickly found work with the Walpole Water Department in 1970 and later applied her accounting background to take the position of Assistant Town Accountant in 1973. Mary never backed away from hard work, she had a fiery, no non-sense attitude when it came to her jobs, often working two jobs to provide a wonderful life for her family. Mary worked in several other municipalities, including Stoughton, Medway, and Dover, before taking the comptroller's position with the Town of Dedham. She retired from the Town of Dedham in 2003, after many years of dedicated service to the citizens in all the communities that she served.

Outside of her working hours, Mary maintained a very busy lifestyle. She spent countless hours volunteering for her children's Scout Troops, serving as a Brownie Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, and Boy Scout Leader with Troop 106 and 44. She loved breeding German Shepherds and enjoyed spending time with her close friends at their monthly card games. During her quiet time, Mary loved listening to Elvis, as well as catching up on various movies and crafts.

Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed taking road trips to her hometown of Johnstown, New York and later, as she taught her children and granddaughter to drive, they would always stop at Crescent Ridge to enjoy Mary's favorite ice cream treat. Mary was incredibly loyal to her family and friends and was always extremely generous with her time and money.

Loving mother of Thomas M. Shea and his wife, Judith, of Uxbridge and Janette M. Gill and her husband, John J., Jr., of South Walpole.
Cherished grandmother of Christina Gill and Travis Rebello of South Walpole.
Devoted sister of Diane Stegel (Joe) of Johnstown, New York, Bertha (Knoblauch) Hogg (David) of Florida, the late Arthur Hill (Gladys), the late Edward Knoblauch (Betty), the late Catherine (Knoblauch) Mraz (Frank), the late Reuben Knoblauch, and the late Margaret (Knoblauch) Ralbovsky (Antone).

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Mary's Life Celebration on Monday, October 8, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.