Leona Shea

Leona Shea, 86, Ortonville, Minnesota died on September 2, 2014, at Northridge Residence.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at Mundwilder & Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville. A prayer service will take place during the visitation at 7 p.m. and will be led by Pastor Karen Evenson. A graveside service will follow on Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens in Montevideo.

Casket bearers will be Jesse O'Shea, Michael O'Shea, Tom Walsh, Ed Walsh, Rod Johnson, and Doug Burma.

Leona Pearl (Hawkey) Shea was born on March 31, 1928, in Avon, SD to Lester George and Pearl Anne (Davis) Hawkey. She attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Avon High School with the class of 1946. She then moved to Sioux Falls to further her education by attending Beautician school.

Much of Leona's early school years were spent helping at the family farm. Leona's father was well known for his baseball ability and she spent much of her youth watching him play short stop on the baseball team. Leona's early introduction to baseball left her an avid Twins baseball fan. Leona had many fond memories from her childhood. She grew up playing Pinochle and enjoyed reminiscing about working at the carnival for one summer with an aunt.

Leona enjoyed dancing and being with friends at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls. It was there that she met and later married Conley Shea. From this union, three sons were born. After marriage, Leona continued to work as a beautician. She even owned her own beauty shop, "Leona's Beauty Shop," for a few years. Leona also worked at Sears in the sewing machine department.

In her golden years, Leona moved to Ortonville to be near her aging parents and sister, Leora Walsh. She enjoyed setting up her apartment in the Hi Rise, spending time with the residents, and participating in monthly activities, especially the music. Leona visited Northridge Residence, volunteering to visit and play cards with residents. Leona enjoyed card games and taught her grandson to play Gin Rummy. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke.

Leona died on September 2, 2014, at Northridge Residence in Ortonville, having reached the age of 86.

Leona leaves a gap in our lives, as always is when your loved one has left. She will be greatly missed by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, relatives, and friends.

Leona is survived by her three sons: Craig (Gail) Shea of Sioux Falls, SD; Kevin (Karyn) O'Shea of Coral Springs, FL; and Patrick Shea of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren: Jesse (Heather) O'Shea; Chelsea (Francisco) Arboleda; Michael (Jessica) O'Shea; Mike McGaughey; and Dillon Johnson; great-grandchildren: Giovanni, Santi, Sydney, Emily, Leah, and Ugen; sisters: Leora Walsh of Ortonville; Alyce Carol (George) Burma of Claremore, OK; and Leola Jurrens of Tulsa, OK; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law: Larry Walsh and Lawrence Jurrens.