Obituary of Alma K. Shea

Alma K. Shea, 81, a resident of Nedrow, New York for 50 years, passed away at home Friday, July 16, 2004 after a long struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. Alma was born September 13, 1922 in Schenectady, New York, the daughter of William A. and Frances S. (Steinmann) Keefer. Alma graduated from Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in Troy, New York and earned her baccalaureate at Cortland State University at the age of 44 while working and caring for a home, three children and a husband. That was a proud moment in her career. She was a school nurse in Troy, New York and Altamont, New York before moving to Central New York where she was a school nurse-teacher at Tully Central School and later at the Onondaga Nation School. She also spent many years as a Pediatric Nurse at the Old Memorial Hospital. Alma retired from LaFayette Central School District in 1978. She was predeceased by her sister, Frances Keefer in 1986. Alma is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert J. Shea; a daugher and son-in-law, Alma S. and Michael Zalewski of Liverpool, New York; two sons and their wives, J. Paul and Shirley Shea of Knoxville, Tennesee and Richard W. and Vivian Shea of Tully, New York; a sister, Marion K. Keohan of Scotia, New York; two brothers and their wives, John Howard and Diane Keefer of Grand Isle, Vermont and William A. Keefer Jr. and Ann of Schenectady, New York. She also has six grandchildren, Katie Shea of Seattle, Washington, Miranda Shea of Portland, Oregon, Erin Shea of Cortland, New York, Meghan Zalewski of Liverpool, New York, Jessica Zalewski of Liverpool, New York and Daniel Shea of Tully, New York as well as several nieces and nephews. Services: Monday, July 19, 2004, 8:30 a.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home and 9:00 a.m. in St. James Church, 4845 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated by Father John Finnegan. Burial will be at a later date in St. Agnes Cemetery, 2315 South Avenue, Syracuse, New York. Calling Hours: Sunday, July 19, 2004, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home, 4612 S. Salina St., Syracuse, New York. Contributions: Macular Degeneration Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1952, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1952 or Hospice of Central New York, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088-6148.