John Edward Shea, 89, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of May 8. John was born in Peterboro, N.H. on Jan. 16, 1917, the son of Edward and Hazel Green Shea. He attended local schools and worked as a custodian. He was discharged from the U.S. Army on July 21, 1944, after serving with Co. H 179th Infantry as a munitions carrier. His foreign service included the Italian Campaign at Anzio Beachhead. John was especially proud of his service to our country and was eager to show the pins, dog tags, and ribbons, which he kept in a little metal box.
John came to live with Leon and Ethel Ludwig nearly 50 years ago when Ethel was working as a nurse at the V.A. in Togus. He enjoyed helping Leon in the dairy barn, working in the blueberry fields and
“hayfields”, and helping with the family Christmas wreath business. John appreciated the special devotion of Jima, one of the family’s German Shepherds. After Leon’s death in 1993, John made his home with Myron and Rebecca Lash at Moose Meadow Farm. There he enjoyed doing yard work, gardening, sweeping the pony barn, and attending horseshows and poultry shows until failing health recently limited many of his activities. With support from hospice, he died at home under the care of family members who loved him dearly.
John will be lovingly remembered by family and friends as someone who deeply touched their lives with his generous heart and enthusiasm for the simple joys of life. He enjoyed attending family gatherings, going for rides, listening to his radio, watching parades, attending church services, eating out, redeeming bottles, playing bingo, harvesting garden vegetables, going to local agricultural fairs, and watching the Lawrence Welk Show. Even when John was ill, he regularly inquired about the health of others. In spite of his own weakened condition, he would offer to help with chores. John especially enjoyed buying gifts for family and friends and treating them for lunch. He frequently expressed appreciation for the care he received from doctors and nurses during his many hospitalizations.
John is survived by his older sister, Margueritte Houghton, of Fitchburg, Mass.; a special cousin, Jean Bergeron and husband Dick of Jaffrey, N.H. Other survivors in his extended family include Myron and Rebecca Lash of Waldoboro; Steven and Lorraine Lash of Friendship and their children, Rachel, Sarah, Isaac, and Hannah; Wayne and Mary Ludwig of Waldoboro and children, Alysn and Micah.
Celebration of John’s life 1 p.m., Sat., May 13 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro with the Rev. Mark Holden officiating. Interment will follow at the Ludwig Family Cemetery In Washington.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Waldoboro.