Shrewsbury – Christine G. (Shea) Parolis, 92, of Southgate in Shrewsbury and formerly of Holden, died Sunday, April 22, 2012 in the Shrewsbury Nursing Center. Her husband, Peter C. Parolis, died in 1993.
She was the beloved aunt of nine nephews and nieces, George P. Shea Jr. of Sequim, Wash.; Maryanne E. Desmarais of Yarmouth Port; Judith D’Errico of Leesburg, Va.; John H. Flynn of Attleboro; Gary Flynn of Boulder, Colo.; Marianne McWilliams of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; Karen Birch of Essex; Patrick Vollendorf of St. Louis, Mo.; and Pamela Cowen of Overland Park, Kan. She also leaves many great-nephews and great-nieces. Her brother, George P. Shea, and her sisters, Mary A. Birch, Anne Flynn, and Rita Vollendorf, predeceased her.
Born on Vernon Hill in Worcester, daughter of Patrick and Anna (Dowd) Shea, she lived in Holden for 35 years before moving to Shrewsbury in 2004. She graduated from the Ascension High School in Worcester, and later took business courses.
Mrs. Parolis worked for 35 years in the accounting department of the Cable Division of the U.S. Steel Co. in Worcester, retiring in 1978. Previously, she had worked for retailers Sears and Filene's.
She was a member of St. Mary's Church in Shrewsbury and a former member of St. Mary's Church in Jefferson. She was a proud member of the Ascension Chapter of the Notre Dame Alumnae Association.
For many years, Mrs. Parolis enjoyed bowling, playing golf, and traveling to Ireland, Hawaii, and many places in-between. She was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox.
She was dearly loved by her family, had a loyal group of many friends, and was a kind and supportive neighbor in her community. She was well known for her beautiful smile and unmistakable Irish eyes.
Calling hours are Thursday, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held Friday, April 27, at 9 a.m., from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery of Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's High School, 378 Main St., Shrewsbury 01545.
