Nancy Joan (Kennedy) Shea

Nancy Joan Kennedy Shea passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 15, 2025, surrounded by her family in her final days. She was 69 years old. 

Born on July 17, 1955, Nancy grew up in East Boston, where her family instilled in her the values of curiosity, generosity, and resilience. She later became a longtime resident of Georgetown, MA, where her love for life and adventure brought joy to everyone she met. She was a devoted daughter, sister, cousin, friend, aunt, mother, grandmother, and godmother. Her passions included music, travel, books, cooking, and art, and her bold spirit led her on remarkable journeys with her family and friends.  

Nancy’s professional life was as dynamic as her personality. She worked as a ticket agent for Eastern Airlines, co-owned Al-Bums, a beloved record shop in Newburyport, and enjoyed a career spanning over 25 years as a respected medical records expert, contributing to hospitals across Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Suffolk University and Northern Essex Community College. 

Nancy was a lifelong advocate for women, music, faith, and social justice. She remained deeply connected to her childhood friends, affectionately known as "her girls.” Even after her dementia diagnosis, she remained courageous and true to her mantra of being “Happy Nancy.” Her final act of generosity was the donation of her brain to dementia research, contributing to a greater understanding of dementia and offering hope to future generations. 

Nancy is survived by her children Julian and his wife, Carla; Erica and her husband, Stephen; and Kathryn; her grandchildren Ronin, Kennedy, and Dash, who knew her as "Nan"; her sister Carol; her brother John; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members and friends. She is reunited with her parents, Arthur and Agnes, and siblings David and Janet. 

Nancy Joan Kennedy Shea lived bravely, loved fiercely, and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will be cherished forever.  

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 25th, at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary Parish in Georgetown, MA. Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To share memories of Nancy with her family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com

The Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown has been entrusted with Nancy's care.

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