Published: January 27, 2010 10:20 am      

Lelia "Lee" Perry Shea

Lelia “Lee” Perry Shea, 85, of Carmel, passed away Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010.

Lee was born in Cerisano, Italy on March 10, 1924 to Vicenzo and Maria Perri. Lee grew up in Lyons, N.Y. where she met and married Philip Joseph Shea on July 2, 1949. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before Phil’s passing on March 20, 2009.

Lee was devoted to the care of her special son, Sean, and was an advocate for the special needs community. She was also an accomplished bowler, excelled in cooking and enjoyed keeping a garden. Lee’s energy and warmth were felt by everyone she met and Lee never knew a stranger. Her son Sean added, “My mom was kind, happy and beautiful and I love her.”

Lee is survived by her children Kevin M. Shea, Karin M. Shea Burks, (Richard Burks, son in law) Sean J. Shea, grandchildren Ryan and Ashley Shea Burks, and sister Rosina Perri Crutchfield of Macon, Ga. She was preceded in death by brothers Arthur and Anthony Perri.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks for the love, support and care given over the last two years by family, friends, Woodridge of Grapevine and Sheridan Rehabilitation and HCC.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Lee on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Road, Carmel, where friends may call one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice of Drake Hospital, Cincinnati, or Special Olympics of Indiana. Arrangements entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan Zionsville; online condolences at www.flanner-buchanan.com.