Pisgah Forest - Maria Anna Shea left the world suddenly on June 26, 2024.  She was 60 years old.  Maria was the oldest of 3 children born to Joan and James Stephens Jr. in Syracuse, NY on March 5, 1964.  She is survived by her father, James, and her siblings James Stephens III and Sean Stephens.  She was predeceased in 2015 by her mother Joan.  She leaves her loving husband of 38 years, Tim.  She has two children, Emily Shea-Owen (Josh Owen) and Jacob Shea.

Maria spent the first 34 years of her life in Upstate New York.  She grew up in Liverpool where she was proficient at everything she did.  She had an early stint as a performer when she took the part of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz in late grade school.  She was a cross-county and track athlete in high school.  After graduating from Liverpool High School, she attended St. Lawrence University where she received her B.S in Biology.  It was there that she caught the eye of Tim and their courtship led to marriage just after graduation.

From there, Tim and Maria moved to Schenectady, NY.  Maria taught high school biology, obtained her Master's in Education, and then became the financial and emotional support for Tim as he pursued his medical degree.  Their daughter Emily was born and the family moved to Brevard in 1998.  Two years later, they welcomed Jacob into the family.

Maria's passion was her family.  She poured her heart and soul into the children, while supporting her husband in his profession.  She loved to knit and her beautiful pieces will become family heirlooms.  She loved nature, animals, adventure, and spontaneity.  Daily, she would practice mindfulness, being present and kind to others, while at the same time acting as a fierce advocate for her family and friends.  She leaves a massive void in our family and her friend circle but we are so grateful for what she has taught us about life.  We know she is still with us.

There will be a Catholic funeral mass celebrating the life of Maria on Tuesday, 10am, July 2, 2024  at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by a reception.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to the American Cancer Society or an animal rescue of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com .

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.