Mary Esther Shea, 73 passed away on the evening of May 20, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Mary Esther was born on February 10, 1943 to Mary and Elden Thompson of Butte, Montana. Mary Esther was raised in St. Mary's Parish, attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Girls Central. She married her high school sweetheart Eddie Shea on August 10, 1963 and together they had two daughters, Christine and Connie.
Mary Esther worked as a secretary for Boys Central until their daughters were born. She later spent many years working for the Butte School District as a special education aide. Mary Esther showed much compassion towards the needs of the special children she worked with. She went out of her way to create an environment where learning was fun and exciting.
Mary Esther was well known in Butte and surrounding areas as a very talented seamstress. She created beautiful wedding and prom dresses for many lucky ladies. Mary Esther was very crafty and enjoyed ceramics and making beautiful flower bouquets. She always took much time and pride in her work and would always create something special. Mary Esther's daughters and grandchildren always had unique, handmade Halloween costumes and her house was decorated for every holiday.
Mary Esther and Ed loved the outdoors. Many weekends were spent with good friends camping and fishing in the Big Hole. Special times were had at the Centerville New Year's Eve Go-Around. She enjoyed bowling and spending time with the Centerville Fire Ladies.
Mary Esther's world was her grandchildren. Spending a weekend with Grandma was a special event full of fun and laughs. Mary Esther always enjoyed attending school programs, games and concerts. She was very proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments.
She was called by many names: Mary Esther, Es, Esther and Mary. Regardless of her name she is remembered for her smile, fun filled nature, kind heart, and her beautiful blue eyes.
Mary Esther was proceeded in death by her loving husband Ed Shea; her parents Mary and Elden Thompson; her brothers, Joe and Chuck Thompson; her dear sister Helen Kingsberry; her mother and father in law, John and Catherine Shea; her brothers in law, Father Bob Shea, Don Shea, Dan Shea, and Paul McHugh. After the death of her husband Ed, she married Wes Mullaney. Although they later divorced they remained good friends until his death.
She will be greatly missed by her family including daughters and sons in law: Criss and Jed Dunkerson of Philipsburg; Connie and Keith Worl of Anaconda; grandchildren: Edd Rigby, Eric Rigby, Shane Rigby, Chloe Worl, Brooke Worl, Masen Worl, and Riley Worl. Brother Bob Thompson, brother in law Pete Kingsberry, sisters in law Carol Thompson, Margy McHugh, Kay and Jeri Hoy, and brother in law Tom and Patty Shea and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family would like to extend a heart filled thank you to Dr. Greg Cieslewicz, the nurses, and staff of the Anaconda Community Hospital. We could not have asked for better care and compassion for our mother.
Visitation and rosary will be held at Duggan Dolan Mortuary from on May 31, 2016 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. A celebration of her life will be held at St. Ann's church on June 1, 2016 at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow at the St. Ann's hall. Mary Esther's ashes will be buried at a later time when her family can all be together.
Memorials are asked to be given to the American Diabetes Association or the donor's choice.