Cecilia McShea

We are saddened to announce Cecilia McShea (nee McLaughlin) passed away on May 15, 2025.

Cecilia (“Ceil” as she was known to family and friends) was born on March 7, 1931 in Harlem, New York to Christina (McKenny) and Edward McLaughlin.

At an early age, her family moved to Red Hook, Brooklyn where she met the love of her life, Bob McShea. Together, they raised five children in Jamaica, Queens.

Ceil had an unwavering devotion to her Catholic faith and was active for decades at Christ the King Church and school, supporting the Rosarians, serving as a Eucharistic minister, and volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.

Over the course of her life, she wore many hats, including crossing guard, bank teller, Girl Scout leader, human resources specialist, notary public and sign painter. Ceil also loved everything about New York City, especially Broadway shows, movies, and public libraries. Ceil was a dancer, a singer, and a lover of spy novels, PBS, and a good cup of tea!

When their children were grown, Ceil and Bob travelled the world for more than 30 years. After her beloved Bob passed, she continued to travel and volunteer.

Ceil was a beacon of positive attitude—she always had a smile and she saw the good

in everyone. To her family and friends, she was truly a saint.

At the age of 90, she moved to Vermont to be near family members and found a whole new community of friends and caregivers at Bromley Manor in Manchester.

In addition to her parents, Ceil was predeceased by husband Robert R. McShea; her eldest son, Robert E. McShea; and sister Ann Steinmuller. Left to cherish her memory are her children: daughters Rita Alzamora (Charles); Kathleen Vinson (Edward); Mary Blair (Ian); son Terrence McShea (Diana); daughter-in-law Marlene McShea; brother-in law-William Edward McShea and his children Carol, Maureen, Dennis, and Kerri; brother-in-law Frank McShea (deceased) and his children Kevin and Karen. Ceil was so proud of her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of Bromley Manor for their love, care and support. They truly were a second family who enjoyed Ceil’s unwavering positive attitude and her ability to break out in song.

A Catholic Mass in celebration of Ceil’s life will be held at 11:00 am, May 22 at Christ Our Savior Church, Manchester, VT. At Ceil’s request, her ashes will be interred at Pinelawn Cemetery, Farmingdale, Long Island at a memorial service in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: The New York Public Library (NYPL.org); the Queens Public Library (queenslibrary.org), or a local library of your choice .

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting: sheafuneralhomes.com.