Rita Shea, 88, beloved sister of Eileen Shea, of West Haven died peacefully November 27, 2011 at the home of her nephew David and Kate Berg. Rita was born in New Haven December 15, 1922, daughter of the late Edward and Catherine Kelly Shea. She was the beloved aunt and family caretaker for 30 nephews and nieces, 39 great nephews and nieces, and 17 great-great nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by sisters Helen Paecht, Estella Ermer, Mary McMinn, Margaret (Peggy) Berg and her brother William Shea. Rita worked for 25 years at Acme Wire and 20 years at Schick Safety Razor. She was an avid crocheter and liked to read and travel. She was a regular member of the IA Senior Club, Savin Rock Senior Club, and the Allingtown Senior Club.
Relatives and Friends are invited to meet directly at St. Lawrence Church, 207 Main Street, West Haven, for a Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday Morning at 10:00 and to attend committal services immediately following in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, on Tuesday (TODAY) from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the several Hospice Care nurses that attended to her during her courageous cancer battle.