Mary Jane Shea

Mary Jane Shea went home to God on December 25th, 2008.

Mary Jane Shea was born on May 23rd, 1924 in Sunnyside, UT to Byron and Margaret Townsend. "Jane", as she was referred to by her family and friends, was the oldest of three children and grew up during the depression and the beginning of World War II. Her father, Byron Townsend, was the owner of the Utah Calcium Products Co. and they mined an aragonite quarry in the desert west of Tooele, UT. Jane attended Saint Mary's Catholic Boarding High School where she excelled in her studies and graduated early at the age of 16. She then attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT. It was at this time she attended a USO dance where she met the "love of her life" Stanley Shea. Just a short 6 weeks later they ran off to get married in Idaho. A short time later while stationed in Mitchell, SD Jane and Stan welcomed their only daughter Patricia Ann into their lives on April 18, 1943.

In 1945, Jane and Stan, with their daughter returned to Tooele, UT where he went to work for the mine and she was a homemaker. As was the case with many women in this era she began working full time at Tooele Army Depot. She continued to work for the Army Depot on and off throughout the years until she retired in 1983. During this time she was actively involved in the Lady Elks and was two time state representative. Jane was named the Lady Elk of the year for 2002-2003 for 51 years of dedication to her community and the Lady Elks. Her plaque read the following: "It's a rare person who comes along and raises the standards of excellence, who captures the hearts of many and who inspires a group of individuals to achieve the impossible."

Jane and Stan were avid RV'ers and enjoyed their time with the Good Sam's club. They traveled all over this country with their friends and family. Jane and Stan were blessed with their granddaughters Rachele Ann and Danielle Ann. They spent many summers camping and fishing in Utah.

Later while still working avidly in the community she laid to rest her husband of 47 years. She would continue on their joint dedication to Camp Wapiti, a camp for disadvantaged children. She was also an active supporter of the New Hope House, for women in Tooele, UT.

Due to her progressing illness she moved to Kathleen, GA to be with her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will miss her sense of humor and her unwavering dedication to her family and friends. As we prepare to lay her to rest we ask that donations in lieu of flowers be made to New Hope House, newhopeutah@yahoo.com, The Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Dr. Warner Robins, GA 31088, and Camp Wapiti.

Mary Jane Shea is preceded in death by her father Byron, mother Margaret, brother Jack, and husband Stanley. She is survived by her daughter Patricia, grand-daughters Rachele (Robert Martin) and Danielle (Danny Drake), great-grandchildren Cody, Kelcey, Shelby, Auburn, and Kayla.

A Memorial service will be held in at McCullough Funeral Home in Warner Robins, GA on Monday 12/29/2008 at 2pm and then an additional service will be held in Tooele, UT later in the week, details to be announced later.



Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088