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Obituaries

Carol Shea

12/13/1933 - 06/20/2016

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Obituary For Carol Shea

Carol Ann Stover Shea, 83 of Sherman, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2016 at her residence in Sherman, Texas. On December 13, 1933, Carol was born to Marguerite (“Rita”) Driscol Stover and Joseph Burton Stover in Charlestown, Boston, MA. Carol graduated from Boston College where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology. In 1958, she married Thomas R. Shea of Holliston MA. They moved to Sherman in 1960, where she lived the remainder of her life, raising her children and contributing to the community that she loved so much. Carol approached her career of service in the same manner she lived life, with passion and integrity, and a focus on the needs of her fellow citizens of Grayson County. From 1970-1986 she was the driving force of monumental progress for the young women of our community, serving as a founding board member of the Girls Club of Sherman, as Secretary of the National Board of Trustees for the Girls Clubs of America, and as a key fundraiser for the building campaign that set a foundation for the future of the local organization. She designed and spearheaded the development of the programs focused on providing opportunities for girls who might otherwise have had limited options. In her constant focus on equality, Carol later opened these same programs to include boys as well, so that all children could have the same opportunities, without regard to their background or ability to pay. From 1974-1980 Carol served on the Sherman Independent School District Board of Trustees, and was elected president of the school board in 1979. In this position she was interviewed by Texas Women Magazine stating, “I believe in equal opportunity for ability, which means a position should not be given nor withheld because of sex. Texas women are interested in their community, every facet of it,” a philosophy that truly captures her mission for her community and her state. In 1981, Carol became the first woman elected to the board of trustees of the United Way of Grayson County and served on the board for many years. In 1983, her “long abiding interest in education” drove Carol to run for a position on the Grayson County College Board of Trustees, where she became the first woman to ever gain a seat on that board, and later held leadership roles on this board, including becoming the first female president of the Grayson County College Board of Trustees in 1989. Carol entered county politics in 1993, becoming the first female Grayson County Commissioner and held the position for ten years. Her other philanthropic interests included Grayson County Democratic Women – Eleanor Roosevelt Award Recipient; President of the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters; Member of the Hospital Board for Wilson N Jones Memorial Hospital; President of the Crisis Center Board of Directors; and continued support for the girls of Grayson County. Her love for the community and passion for helping others was surpassed only by her love for her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Shea MD, parents Marguerite (“Rita”) Driscol Stover and Joseph Burton Stover, daughters Cynthia Ann Shea Goosen and Mary Veronica Shea. She is survived by her son Thomas R. Shea, Jr. and wife, Sheila VanSant Shea of Sherman, her daughter Kerry Kathryn Shea Lanzone and husband Joseph of Saint Simons Island, GA; her son-in-law Guy David Goosen of Sherman, TX, and her grandchildren: Brian Nicholas Goosen, of St. Louis, Missouri; Christopher Thomas Goosen; of Lubbock, TX; Valerie Kathryn Lanzone of Boston, MA, Joseph Anthony Lanzone, III of New Haven, CT; and Jillian Grace Lanzone of Saint Simons Island, GA; Honorary pallbearers are Guy David Goosen, Euphrasio “Chico” Aleman, Steven Craig Rice, Christopher M. Perry, Terance P. Perry, Judge Jim Fry, Judge Ray Grisham, and Justice of the Peace David Hawley. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. , Thursday, June 23, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church , Sherman, Texas, officiated by Reverend Jeremy Myers assisted by Reverend Tony Aureus. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Dannel Funeral Home, Wednesday evening, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

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Condolences

  • 07/07/2016

    Neil and I were sorry to hear that Carol had passed away. She was an energetic contributor to the Sherman community, and loved by all of us. We offer our prayers and condolences to the family. May she have a special place in Heaven. Lorraine and Neil Hayes

  • 06/29/2016

    I was out of town and unable to attend the service but was so sorry to hear of Carol's death. We were all such friends in the Medical community and she and Dr. Shea were always such wonderful hosts and hostesses for their St. Patrick's Day parties and others. Carol was such an important part of Sherman and so active especially with the schools. She will be missed and not forgotten. It has been a difficult year for you all and you are in my prayers for comfort. Dorothy McKee Sherman, TX

  • 06/25/2016

    RANDY & KAREN HARMON

    We are very sorry to read of Carol's passing. She was a special person. When she spoke you heard her as she had a voice that carried. If she was anywhere in the courthouse, you knew it. Her voice carried through the marbled halls of Grayson County Business and Halls of Justice. She will be missed. ~ RANDY & KAREN HARMON, DENISON, Texas

  • 06/24/2016

    Amy Hoffman-Shehan

    Tommy and Sheila, I am sorry for your loss. You and your extended family area all in my thoughts and prayers. Carol couldn't have asked for a better son and daughter-in-law than the two of you. I am so sorry I had to miss Carol's funeral because of work in Dallas this week. I will miss her friendship, guidance and example. With Love, Amy ~ Amy Hoffman-Shehan, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/23/2016

    Donna Abbott

    Heaven just got a lot brighter I Love You ~ Donna Abbott, Dallas, Texas

  • 06/23/2016

    Donna Grant

    ~ Donna Grant, Denison, Texas

  • 06/23/2016

    Donna Grant

    Tommy and Sheila I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Shea was a very special lady and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. You both are in mine and Jimmy's prayers and thoughts. Please let us know if you need anything. Love, Donna and Jimmy Grant ~ Donna Grant, Denison, Texas

  • 06/23/2016

    Paul & Jackie Hassett

    Our deepest sympathy to Carol's family. Cousin Carol rest in peace. ~ Paul & Jackie Hassett, Camarillo, California

  • 06/23/2016

    Tommy and Sheila, I wanted to be at Carol's funeral but my health will just not allow me to be there. My love and sympathy are with you and your family. Carolyn Driscoll, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/23/2016

    Carolyn Driscoll

    ~ Carolyn Driscoll, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/22/2016

    Janet Harvey

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Shea was a wonderful person and thought of others before herself. God bless you all with peace and comfort. ~ Janet Harvey, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/22/2016

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shea family and friends. She lived life to the fullest. Always smiling and laughing. We'll see you on the other side. God Bless. Randy, Debby and Stan Wessinger

  • 06/22/2016

    Donna Miller

    Carol was such a sweet lady and friend! She will be missed, God Bless. Marc W. and Donna Miller ~ Donna Miller, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/22/2016

    Peter Phillips

    Carol Shea, Charlotte Spears, and Pat Phillips. Three of a kind. Sorry to hear of your loss. ~ Peter Phillips, Leonard, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Sana and Joyce Ullah

    We are saddened to hear of Carol's passing. She was such a sweet neighbor and will be missed. Our prayers go out to the family. The Ullahs ~ Sana and Joyce Ullah, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Tina Jones

    Tommy, Sheila and family. I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. I have known her for many years and enjoyed my association with her in the Elected Womens' assoc. she was such a joy to be around and made everyone comfortable and she was also a good listener and a "get er done" person. She will be sorely missed. I'm also sad for you for your loss of Cynthia. ~ Tina Jones, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Kelly Shea

    So blessed to have known her in this life, God broke the mold when he made Carol Shea. Hilariously funny, brilliant & so much tenacity, I always loved & respected her, rest in peace Carol. ~ Kelly Shea, Pottsboro, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Derrell Hall

    So sorry to hear of Carol's passing. She was a once in a lifetime sort of person who meant what she said and always said what she meant. I am so glad I got to be her friend. ~ Derrell Hall, Ravenna, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Katie Chapin

    Tommy & Sheila, Kerry & Joe, So sorry to hear about Aunt Carol. So many memories when you would travel to MA. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May she rest in peace with Uncle Tom and Cindy. ~ Katie Chapin, Holliston, Massachusetts

  • 06/21/2016

    Carolyn Fruthaler, MD

    I'm so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. She was a joy to work with and always focused on the needs of her constituents and of Grayson County. She will be missed by many. ~ Carolyn Fruthaler, MD, Spring, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    DEBRA SUDDERTH

    I am so sorry to hear of the Shea family's loss of their mother. She was a wonderful person and thought of others before herself. God bless you all with peace and comfort. Debra Adlof Sudderth ~ DEBRA SUDDERTH, PLANO, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Reina Garcia

    To the Shea Family: Sorry to hear of your loss. Carol was an awesome, wonderful and inspiring person. She will be missed on earth. For those who knew her know that she leaves behind a great legacy of leadership and fun filled memories. Carol may your soul rest with our Lord. Reina Garcia ~ Reina Garcia, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Johnny Waldrip

    She was my friend. I really liked working with her. She had a great sense of humor and cared for Grayson County very much. ~ Johnny Waldrip, Sherman, Texas

  • 06/21/2016

    Mayor Sherry Howard

    May God bring comfort to the family during this time. ~ Mayor Sherry Howard, Tom Bean, Texas

  • 06/20/2016

    Bob Tollison

    So sorry to hear about this happening. Rest in peace, Carol. ~ Bob Tollison, Sherman, Texas

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