Shrewsbury – Sophie J. (Consiglio) Shea, 97, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9th in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family. She had just celebrated her 97th birthday on June 17th with close friends and family.
She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, John J. “Jack” Shea, in 2003. Sophie was the devoted Mother to Lynda McBride and husband Thomas, Susan Rapp and husband Daniel, John Shea, and Tricia Shea. She was the devoted Grandmother to Jennifer McBride Funk and husband Thomas, John McBride and wife Tory, Nicole Rapp and fiancé DJ Jackson, Timothy Rapp, and Madison Shea; and Great-Grandmother to Sloane McBride. Sophie was also predeceased by three brothers, Peter, Larry, and Maurice Consiglio and sisters Isabelle Stearns, Lena Grilla, Mary Kunigonis, and Dorothy Fienen. All of her nieces and nephews were a big part of her life.
Sophie was born in Worcester, the youngest of eight children of Italian immigrants, the late Anthonio & Jenny (Mastrapasqua) Consiglio. She graduated from Commerce High School, prior to beginning her career as a Bookkeeper for the former Parker Metal Corporation in Worcester. Later in life, Sophie also enjoyed having fun waitressing along with her sisters at Lena’s Restaurant, The Four Seasons, Mary K’s Kitchen, the ITAM Club and Howard Johnson’s.
In her free time, Sophie loved shopping, gardening, and cooking, especially her family-favorite Italian meals. Above all else, her family was her everything; she cherished her time spent with them, and loved filling her home with their friends and all of her life long neighbors who were also considered family.
Sophie was a woman of strong faith and was a longtime devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish.
She was a gentle beautiful soul, always happy with something nice to say or to make you laugh. She wanted to see you smile or put a smile on your face.
Her family would like to show their appreciation for her close friends, neighbors, and wonderful caregivers for their dedicated care of Sophie. They would also like to thank the amazing staff of JHC Hospice for their support during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Parish, 20 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (https://stmarysparish.org/weshare).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Shea family from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Her funeral Mass will follow, and will be celebrated at 11:30 AM next door at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street. Burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
