Margaret Mary Shea

Margaret Mary Shea (née Bushlow), lovingly known as “Re,” passed away on December 21, 2024, in Reston, Virginia. She was born in 1943 to William and Julia Bushlow. She grew up in a vibrant household in Boston, Massachusetts, alongside her siblings William, Paul, and Anita O’Brien, all of whom preceded her in death. Margaret shared a special bond with her cousins Maryellen Costello, John and Mike Fleming, and Annie Crowley during her formative years.

Margaret was a devoted wife to Timothy Shea and a loving mother to Tim Jr. and spouse Kathleen Higgins Shea and daughter Jennifer, Marilyn and spouse Mercer Garnet, and Maureen Shea. She cherished her role as grandmother to Timothy J. Lettner and his spouse Caroline and Stephen Lettner. She especially loved being the great-grandmother to Lillian and Luke Lettner.

Margaret attended Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury, MA and began her professional journey at John Hancock Insurance. In 1962, she met the love of her life, Timothy Shea. They married in 1965 and embarked on a life filled with adventure, accompanying Tim on overseas postings to Japan, Turkey, England, Brazil, Liberia, and Denmark.

Upon returning to the United States, Margaret joined the Central Intelligence Agency as a Contracting Officer. While working full-time, she pursued her education by taking evening classes and was sponsored for her final year of college. She proudly graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. She was awarded the CIA Career Commendation Medal upon her retirement after more than 24 years of dedicated service.
Margaret’s life was marked by her intelligence, determination, kindness and deep love for her family. Her memory is treasured by all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.

A Mass will be held at St. John Newmann’s Catholic Church in Reston on January 9th at 11 AM. Burial information will be provided at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/