Patricia A. (King) Shea

FAIRFIELD – Patricia A. (King) Shea, 85, of Fairfield, passed away in the arms of her loving son on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta.

She was born May 24, 1939, in Fairfield, daughter of Wilfred A. and Anna J. (Schubach) King and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and Lawrence High School, Class of 1957. On Aug. 16, 1969, she married Roy A. Shea and together they shared 32 wonderful years.

After a short stint as a Candy Striper at Thayer Hospital and a nurse for Dr. Hornberger, Pat began working as a Bank Teller at the Fairfield branch of Depositors Trust, a vocation that she would enjoy for nearly 40 years. When Key Bank acquired Depositors, she soon became head teller and eventually assistant branch manager.

The true model of diligence, Pat’s daily cash-outs were famously accurate. On the rare occasion that her drawer was off by even a penny, family and friends would hear about it for months. She was also well known for hosting Christmas parties for her co-workers and had many close “bank friends” all over the state.

Patty was an eclectic collector and creator. From an early age, she collected postcards, expanded to coins and currencies of all kinds and countries, and parlayed her Kewpie and Steamboat Willie (early Mickey Mouse) and other dolls into an extensive collection worthy of nothing less than elegant display cases in the family room.

But it was the gnomes that got her. She never met a gnome she didn’t like, adopting nearly every one she encountered and giving them a place of prominence in her home. Pat was also well known for her Christmas trees, which for years were displayed year-round, meticulously decorated for the season, month, or holiday.

A woman of many interests, Pat found a true passion when she began taking card classes at the Yardgoods Center in Waterville. Her hand-made cards celebrated holidays and life events and expressed joy, gratitude, and sorrow. Later, she loved her time spent at Pam Elliott’s Card Main E A classes in Oakland, where her classmates became close, caring friends.

Grammie Shea also found great joy in traveling to watch her grandchildren’s sporting events, pageants, and school functions, often with her longtime friend, Julie Gilbert (aka Grammie Julie).

Above all else, her faith and devotion to God was the centerpiece of Pat’s life. She rarely missed mass, even when away from home, served as a Eucharistic minister and volunteered countless hours to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, helping to count the weekly offerings and to carry out many other church projects.

Pat was predeceased by her husband, Roy, in 2001. Though losing the love of her life was devastating, she continued to lead an active and vibrant life after her husband’s death, maintaining an immaculate and well-appointed home, which she lived in for an incredible 84 years.

Survivors include her son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Megan of Presque Isle; her grandchildren Hope and friend Devin, and Edie and fiance Parker, all of Caribou, Brady and friend Mayah of Gunnison, Colo., Jude of Orono, and Emerson of Presque Isle; along with several brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and King family cousins who were more like close friends, especially the St. Amand girls, Liz, Barbara, and Susan.

Pat was immensely appreciative of Debbie Deroche, her housekeeper and caregiver, who provided vital assistance and companionship that allowed her to remain in her home until her final days. She also cherished her life-long friends Pat and Bz Binette, Anne and Keith Stewart, and Jocie Proulx, along with Julie Bureau and Sheila Lefebvre and others.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at Veilleux Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by a luncheon at the church. Burial will take place at a later date.

For those who wish, contributions may be made in Pat’s memory to

Catholic Charities Maine,

P.O. Box 10660,

Portland, ME 04104-6060

and http://www.ccmaine.com.