Celebrating the life of
Nancy Shea
February 28, 1933 - December 20, 2010
Nancy Shea, 77, a lifetime resident of Savannah, succumbed to ovarian cancer on Monday, December 20, 2010, for which she battled for the past eighteen months. She passed away at her home with her loving children while under the supervision of Hospice Savannah.
Nancy was the daughter of longtime Savannah residents, Robert and Billie Morrissey, and was married to Bart Shea. Nancy attended Saint Vincent's High School and after raising seven children, she resumed her education. At Armstrong State College, she earned degrees in math and French. She went on to receive a M.A. degree in French from Middlebury College in Vermont and an Ed.S. from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Nancy taught French at Windsor Forest High School, beginning in 1972. After serving as the foreign language coordinator at the Chatham County Board of Education, she became principal at Windsor Forest High School in 1977, where she oversaw ten graduating classes of students. Upon retiring, Nancy started Perfect Solutions, Inc., a small business specializing in transcription and typing services. She was active in local Democratic politics, serving on a number of campaigns. Nancy was also an enthusiastic tennis player at Bacon Park, and was a member of the Super Seniors State Championship tennis team in 2004. She was s parishioner of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.
Nancy is survived by her seven children, David and Hitomi Shea, Kevin and Anne Shea, Chris and Terry Sylvester, Dan and Sandy Davis, Gary and Laurie Shea, Frank and Kelly Shea, Robbie and Kelly Shea; sixteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert and Bill Morrissey and her sister, Marjy Story.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by interment at Greenwich Cemetery.
Per Nancy's request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in care of Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Mrs. Shea, as I knew her at WFHS as principle, will be truly missed. What a geat lady! My prayers to the Shea family.
- Terrie Grable Spells, Monument, CO
On behalf of the Armstrong Atlantic State University Alumni Association, we would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. May it comfort you to know others are thinking of you at this difficult time.
- Armstrong Alumni Office, Savannah, GA
Nancy was a brilliant woman who energized the staff at Windsor Forest H. S. I am thankful for the joy of having known her. Salute to Mr Robbie, one of my dear students from the '80's. Fondly, Barbara Abernathy
- Barbara Abernathy, Savannah, GA
From all the Donnelly's Sorry for your loss. We, the kids, didn't know your Mom and Dad. They were friends of our parents. We loved growing up in the house on Whitemarsh and great-grand children are living there now. Love to all! Best to you all!
- Beth Donnelly, Savannah, GA
Terry you and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time. Surely heaven is a brighter place with its newest angel.
- Wanda Casey-Dicks, JOHNS CREEK, GA
Sandy I am so sorry to hear about your Mom Nancy. You and your family are in our prayers Love Frank and Ruth
- Frank Van Giesen, Savannah, GA
Our prayers are with the family. She will be truly missed. May God keep her family in His Loving Hands.
- Robin And Teresa Rice, savannah, GA
To the Shea Family: We were saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. LauraHernandez, Meghan & Zach
- Duncan Family, Suwanee, GA
Sorry about. Mrs. Shea
- James cleveland, savannah, GA
Sorry about. Mrs. Shea
- James cleveland, savannah, GA
Sorry about. Mrs. Shea
- James cleveland, savannah, GA
Mrs. Shea taught French at Chatham Jr. High and I took several classes from her. She was a wonderful, engaging teacher and was always up for a bit of fun. I am so very sorry for her loss.
- Terri Brown Patillo, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family of Nancy Shea. Sandy, I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that your mom was a great lady. Cherish your memories. God bless you.
- Anne Antol, Savannah, GA
Terry and family, We send our deepest condolences for the loss of such a precious person in your life. But she will live on in your hearts always. We at Visiting Nurse Health Services will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you as only He can. Beverly Falls
- Beverly Falls, Atlanta, GA
Terry, May God comfort you and your family during this time. Shalom. Myra
- Myra L. Phillips, , GA
The world is a lesser place without you, Nancy. You will be sadly missed by all who knew you, and learned through your patience and love. Au'revoir, Mon Amie et Bonne Chance!
- GILL & TONY PERRY, SAVANNAH, GA
We are so sorry to hear about Mrs. Shea. She was such a fantastic woman and way ahead of her time! She was a great principal and gave us the love of all things French! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Hankins Family
- Ann Hankins Cone, Atlanta, GA
Nancy set an example for 'maturing' as a woman. She is a spunky soul with an intelligent mind. She shared her thoughts, regardless of the consequences. She possessed the courage to follow the paths to which she felt led and to say,“I don’t think so, Buster” to paths by which she felt repelled. Nancy did what she felt in her heart was right, even when she was misunderstood. That is surely a gift from God. For me personally, she was an example of how to age and mature as a woman and how to lift oneself above the pressure of the “crowd.” When God instructed Nancy, 'Just do as I tell you” I think Nancy replied, 'I'd be honored, Sir. Here I am world. Take me as God made me, or kindly step aside, so that His work won't be obstructed.' Now, Nancy abides in Jesus, and Jesus abides in her. Thank you Nancy for inspiring me as a woman to mature with grace and confidence. I thank God for sharing with us His humor, courage, and wisdom through the life of Nancy Shea. Lisa Brewer
- Lisa Brewer, Hendersonville, NC
Prayers and Condolences goes to Terry Sylvester, daughter, during this time in your life. Know that I am thinking about you and your family.
- Gwendolyn Satcher- VNHS, Sandy Springs, GA
Our prayers are w/ you & your family at this time of your Mother's passing. Please let me know if there is anything we can do for you. Liz
- Liz, , GA
Ms. Nancy, what a great lady! Her enthusiasm and spunk was amazing. What a legacy of family she brought into this world. She will be missed. I feel to be so lucky to have met her and gotten to know her. Rest in Peace.
- Ed Patterson, Rincon, GA
Terry and Sandy, In my thoughts and prayers. Love, Andrea White
- Andrea White, Dunwoody, GA
My memories of Mrs. Shea go way back to summer days swimming in Richardson Creek and running through a house that had room for everyone. Her warm smile and easy laugh is what I remember most and always will. My condolences to the Shea family. Mickie Griffith
- Mickie Griffith, Ocean Springs, MS
Terry, My prayers are with you and your family. Your mother must have been a wonderful person to raise such a thoughtful, caring daughter. Her love and memories will always be with you. If you need anything, I'm here. Love, Lisa
- lisa capshaw, alpharetta, GA
I enjoyed knowing Mrs. Shea back in the early 1970's. She was an accomplished woman, to say the least. Best wishes to the Shea family.
- Tom Brennan, ,
I remember Nancy as a kind, loving person. She will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts are with her family.
- Janette Carroll, Dalton, GA
Mommy Shea,' as I came to call her, was an extraordinary person and phenomenal educator! As my French teacher Windsor Class of '76 and later my boss 1980-81, she helped me strengthen my wings for this life's flight. The Formey Family extends its condolences to all of The Sheas. May you find comfort in knowing that she made an incredible difference in the lives of MANY.
- Iris Formey Dawson, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with ALL of the family, but in particular to Sandy, Frank, and Robbie, who I was well acquainted with. Your Mother was a WONDERFUL woman and was full of life and a positive outlook. I'm quite sure she battled her illness with as much strength and courage as she did in all other aspects of her life. I so enjoyed getting to know her and share in the 'essence' that was Nancy. She forever changed lives through education, and was a source of comfort and love to her family. those are only two of the legacies she leaves behind. Much love, Mary Blair
- Mary Blair Ray, Valrico, FL
We were so sorry to hear of Mrs. Shea's illness and death. Please remember that death is not the end for those that believe. As our beloved priest used to tell us, our loved ones are just around the corner waiting for us in another room. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for your family.
- Danny and Susan Bunger, Savannah, GA
I was sad to hear of Mrs. Shea's passing. Gerald and I are thinking of you and your family.
- Lynda Freedman, Savannah, GA
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Shea family. Nancy was my French teacher at Windsor in 72' and 73'. She was without a doubt one of the finest that God placed on this earth. One very special Lady.
- Clint Price, Savannah, GA
Frank, Robbie, and all of the Shea family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. When our Robbie was at Windsor Forest High School class of 1983, he always spoke very highly of Mrs. Shea and considered her his all-time favorite principal. She gave a very generous donation this year to the Robbie Smith Endowment Fund for Hospice, Savannah, Inc., for which we were very thankful. We lost our Robbie in December 1994. May it be of some comfort to all of you that Robbie was there to welcome your mom into Heaven. May God bless and comfort all of you during this difficult time.
- Jeannie & Robert Smith, Savannah, GA
Nancy shared her smiles, joy, and happiness in life and will be missed.
- Diane Wade, Savannah, GA
Nancy was a special person. We have known each other since our children were small. She will be sorely missed.
- Dorothy Wade, Savannah, GA
Terry and Family Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope all of you will take confort in knowing there is one more angel above us!
- Jennifer, Paul and Duncan Albert, Alpharetta, GA
My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a special lady. I am a friend of Chris and Terry's. I will not be able to attend the funeral, but I will be thinking and praying for the family, and will ask the Lord to comfort you and give you peace during this difficult time.
- Kim Dorsett, Johns Creek, GA
Thank you so much for sharing your Mother with me. She helped to teach me to drive using her blue Karmen Gia. She dropped me off at my baby-sitting job after school Senior year. She signed my report card when my parents were re-located with the military. She encouraged me to keep moving forward with my dream of becoming a doctor. She started me on my lifelong journey of love with the French language and the country of France. She showed me I could be an effective, loving parent to children in one's own home and out in the community. I love her and cherish my memories of her. Thanks again for sharing her with me and so many others. Prayerfully,
- Avis Meeks Day, M.D., Austin, TX
My heartfelt condolences to the Shea family. I miss my special friend and tennis partner and cherish many wonderful memories. Riece
- Riece Burtchaell, Paso Robles, CA
To the entire Family, We are so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing.She was a great lady of many accomplishments.She will be missed by many,especially family and close friends.You will be in our prayers.
- Judy and Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Robbie Shea and Family My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Praying for you and your family.
- Debbie, Shelby & Emmy Nash, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear the news. I adored Mrs. Shea and she helped me to get through one of the most difficult times in my life. I always loved her for that and always thought of her on her birthday. I was so glad to be able to reconnect with her through Facebook and tell her just how I felt. What a wonderful lady that will be greatly missed! Heaven gained a jewel today! Much love, Tricia Mahany Steinman
- Tricia Mahany Steinman, Cumming, GA
Ms. Shea was the best principal ever. She really cared about her students. She will be greatly missed! We will be praying for your family.
- Rochelle Logue Matthews, Savannah, GA
Words of sorrow is not enough to celebrate your life. Glad to have known you and your family. Peace and Love, Ray Cheong
- Raymond Cheong, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Shea, as I knew her at WFHS as principle, will be truly missed. What a geat lady! My prayers to the Shea family.
- Terrie Grable Spells, Monument, CO
On behalf of the Armstrong Atlantic State University Alumni Association, we would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. May it comfort you to know others are thinking of you at this difficult time.
- Armstrong Alumni Office, Savannah, GA
Nancy was a brilliant woman who energized the staff at Windsor Forest H. S. I am thankful for the joy of having known her. Salute to Mr Robbie, one of my dear students from the '80's. Fondly, Barbara Abernathy
- Barbara Abernathy, Savannah, GA
From all the Donnelly's Sorry for your loss. We, the kids, didn't know your Mom and Dad. They were friends of our parents. We loved growing up in the house on Whitemarsh and great-grand children are living there now. Love to all! Best to you all!
- Beth Donnelly, Savannah, GA
Terry you and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time. Surely heaven is a brighter place with its newest angel.
- Wanda Casey-Dicks, JOHNS CREEK, GA
Sandy I am so sorry to hear about your Mom Nancy. You and your family are in our prayers Love Frank and Ruth
- Frank Van Giesen, Savannah, GA
Our prayers are with the family. She will be truly missed. May God keep her family in His Loving Hands.
- Robin And Teresa Rice, savannah, GA
To the Shea Family: We were saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. LauraHernandez, Meghan & Zach
- Duncan Family, Suwanee, GA
Sorry about. Mrs. Shea
- James cleveland, savannah, GA
Sorry about. Mrs. Shea
- James cleveland, savannah, GA
Sorry about. Mrs. Shea
- James cleveland, savannah, GA
Mrs. Shea taught French at Chatham Jr. High and I took several classes from her. She was a wonderful, engaging teacher and was always up for a bit of fun. I am so very sorry for her loss.
- Terri Brown Patillo, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy to the family of Nancy Shea. Sandy, I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that your mom was a great lady. Cherish your memories. God bless you.
- Anne Antol, Savannah, GA
Terry and family, We send our deepest condolences for the loss of such a precious person in your life. But she will live on in your hearts always. We at Visiting Nurse Health Services will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you as only He can. Beverly Falls
- Beverly Falls, Atlanta, GA
Terry, May God comfort you and your family during this time. Shalom. Myra
- Myra L. Phillips, , GA
The world is a lesser place without you, Nancy. You will be sadly missed by all who knew you, and learned through your patience and love. Au'revoir, Mon Amie et Bonne Chance!
- GILL & TONY PERRY, SAVANNAH, GA
We are so sorry to hear about Mrs. Shea. She was such a fantastic woman and way ahead of her time! She was a great principal and gave us the love of all things French! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Hankins Family
- Ann Hankins Cone, Atlanta, GA
Nancy set an example for 'maturing' as a woman. She is a spunky soul with an intelligent mind. She shared her thoughts, regardless of the consequences. She possessed the courage to follow the paths to which she felt led and to say,“I don’t think so, Buster” to paths by which she felt repelled. Nancy did what she felt in her heart was right, even when she was misunderstood. That is surely a gift from God. For me personally, she was an example of how to age and mature as a woman and how to lift oneself above the pressure of the “crowd.” When God instructed Nancy, 'Just do as I tell you” I think Nancy replied, 'I'd be honored, Sir. Here I am world. Take me as God made me, or kindly step aside, so that His work won't be obstructed.' Now, Nancy abides in Jesus, and Jesus abides in her. Thank you Nancy for inspiring me as a woman to mature with grace and confidence. I thank God for sharing with us His humor, courage, and wisdom through the life of Nancy Shea. Lisa Brewer
- Lisa Brewer, Hendersonville, NC
Prayers and Condolences goes to Terry Sylvester, daughter, during this time in your life. Know that I am thinking about you and your family.
- Gwendolyn Satcher- VNHS, Sandy Springs, GA
Our prayers are w/ you & your family at this time of your Mother's passing. Please let me know if there is anything we can do for you. Liz
- Liz, , GA
Ms. Nancy, what a great lady! Her enthusiasm and spunk was amazing. What a legacy of family she brought into this world. She will be missed. I feel to be so lucky to have met her and gotten to know her. Rest in Peace.
- Ed Patterson, Rincon, GA
Terry and Sandy, In my thoughts and prayers. Love, Andrea White
- Andrea White, Dunwoody, GA
My memories of Mrs. Shea go way back to summer days swimming in Richardson Creek and running through a house that had room for everyone. Her warm smile and easy laugh is what I remember most and always will. My condolences to the Shea family. Mickie Griffith
- Mickie Griffith, Ocean Springs, MS
Terry, My prayers are with you and your family. Your mother must have been a wonderful person to raise such a thoughtful, caring daughter. Her love and memories will always be with you. If you need anything, I'm here. Love, Lisa
- lisa capshaw, alpharetta, GA
I enjoyed knowing Mrs. Shea back in the early 1970's. She was an accomplished woman, to say the least. Best wishes to the Shea family.
- Tom Brennan, ,
I remember Nancy as a kind, loving person. She will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts are with her family.
- Janette Carroll, Dalton, GA
Mommy Shea,' as I came to call her, was an extraordinary person and phenomenal educator! As my French teacher Windsor Class of '76 and later my boss 1980-81, she helped me strengthen my wings for this life's flight. The Formey Family extends its condolences to all of The Sheas. May you find comfort in knowing that she made an incredible difference in the lives of MANY.
- Iris Formey Dawson, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with ALL of the family, but in particular to Sandy, Frank, and Robbie, who I was well acquainted with. Your Mother was a WONDERFUL woman and was full of life and a positive outlook. I'm quite sure she battled her illness with as much strength and courage as she did in all other aspects of her life. I so enjoyed getting to know her and share in the 'essence' that was Nancy. She forever changed lives through education, and was a source of comfort and love to her family. those are only two of the legacies she leaves behind. Much love, Mary Blair
- Mary Blair Ray, Valrico, FL
We were so sorry to hear of Mrs. Shea's illness and death. Please remember that death is not the end for those that believe. As our beloved priest used to tell us, our loved ones are just around the corner waiting for us in another room. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for your family.
- Danny and Susan Bunger, Savannah, GA
I was sad to hear of Mrs. Shea's passing. Gerald and I are thinking of you and your family.
- Lynda Freedman, Savannah, GA
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Shea family. Nancy was my French teacher at Windsor in 72' and 73'. She was without a doubt one of the finest that God placed on this earth. One very special Lady.
- Clint Price, Savannah, GA
Frank, Robbie, and all of the Shea family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. When our Robbie was at Windsor Forest High School class of 1983, he always spoke very highly of Mrs. Shea and considered her his all-time favorite principal. She gave a very generous donation this year to the Robbie Smith Endowment Fund for Hospice, Savannah, Inc., for which we were very thankful. We lost our Robbie in December 1994. May it be of some comfort to all of you that Robbie was there to welcome your mom into Heaven. May God bless and comfort all of you during this difficult time.
- Jeannie & Robert Smith, Savannah, GA
Nancy shared her smiles, joy, and happiness in life and will be missed.
- Diane Wade, Savannah, GA
Nancy was a special person. We have known each other since our children were small. She will be sorely missed.
- Dorothy Wade, Savannah, GA
Terry and Family Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope all of you will take confort in knowing there is one more angel above us!
- Jennifer, Paul and Duncan Albert, Alpharetta, GA
My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a special lady. I am a friend of Chris and Terry's. I will not be able to attend the funeral, but I will be thinking and praying for the family, and will ask the Lord to comfort you and give you peace during this difficult time.
- Kim Dorsett, Johns Creek, GA
Thank you so much for sharing your Mother with me. She helped to teach me to drive using her blue Karmen Gia. She dropped me off at my baby-sitting job after school Senior year. She signed my report card when my parents were re-located with the military. She encouraged me to keep moving forward with my dream of becoming a doctor. She started me on my lifelong journey of love with the French language and the country of France. She showed me I could be an effective, loving parent to children in one's own home and out in the community. I love her and cherish my memories of her. Thanks again for sharing her with me and so many others. Prayerfully,
- Avis Meeks Day, M.D., Austin, TX
My heartfelt condolences to the Shea family. I miss my special friend and tennis partner and cherish many wonderful memories. Riece
- Riece Burtchaell, Paso Robles, CA
To the entire Family, We are so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing.She was a great lady of many accomplishments.She will be missed by many,especially family and close friends.You will be in our prayers.
- Judy and Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Robbie Shea and Family My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Praying for you and your family.
- Debbie, Shelby & Emmy Nash, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear the news. I adored Mrs. Shea and she helped me to get through one of the most difficult times in my life. I always loved her for that and always thought of her on her birthday. I was so glad to be able to reconnect with her through Facebook and tell her just how I felt. What a wonderful lady that will be greatly missed! Heaven gained a jewel today! Much love, Tricia Mahany Steinman
- Tricia Mahany Steinman, Cumming, GA
Ms. Shea was the best principal ever. She really cared about her students. She will be greatly missed! We will be praying for your family.
- Rochelle Logue Matthews, Savannah, GA
Words of sorrow is not enough to celebrate your life. Glad to have known you and your family. Peace and Love, Ray Cheong
- Raymond Cheong, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

