Cathleen H Shea Obituary (1938 - 2020)

Cathleen Hogan Shea passed away peacefully with family by her side on Winter Solstice December 21, 2020. Cathy was born on October 4th, 1938 and grew up in Philadelphia, PA where she attended Gwynedd Mercy Academy, followed by Immaculata College in Washington D.C. Post college, Cathy went to work for Matson Navigation Lines - inspiring her lifelong love of travel - an itch she would later scratch as often as she could! In the lively 1960s D.C. social scene, she met James Martin Shea. They were married in Georgetown and then Cathy followed Jim to Seattle, WA for "one year" while he finished his master's degree at the University of Washington (so began her longtime love of UW football). Cathy Shea was so many things to so many people - Mom, Wife, Friend, Volunteer, Coach (and founder) of St. Luke Speech Team, beloved Ex Libris book club member, World Travel Partner, Martini Aficionado, and Dog Lover. She loved to cook, entertain, play bridge and celebrate her Irish heritage. She thrived in her second career in the Securities Industry, highlighted by a long stint at UBS Paine Webber. Bosses and colleagues, plus those she later mentored and managed, all marveled at how much Cathy got done and how much fun she had along the way. Cathy & Jim traveled as much as possible in retirement - trips to Ireland, France, China and Tibet inspired decor in every room of their gracious home - but nothing matched the joy she received from being "Mimi" to her seven adoring granddaughters. Cathy grew to deeply love Seattle (and Lake Chelan!) yet at the same time remained a true Philly girl at heart replete with accent. It has been said that she had more personality in her little finger than many in their whole body. Her incredible zest for life will be missed by many. Cathy is survived by her children Kelly Shea Green (Kevin), Jim Shea Jr (Danielle), Molly Shea Ebel (David); granddaughters Maggie and Betsy Green; Scarlett, Evie, Margot, and Greta Ebel; Addie Shea; and many nieces and nephews who adored her. She was preceded in death by her husband James Martin Shea, her parents John Benedict and Catherine Beirn Hogan, and her beloved brother John B. Hogan, Jr. A Family Memorial Mass will be held on January 8th at 11am at St Luke Parish. The service will be live streamed @ http://www.stlukecp.org A celebration of life will be planned once we can all gather and toast together safely. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to St Luke Parish of Shoreline, WA.