Obituaries

Leo Shea, age 94, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died at the Ball Hospice House, on July 20, 2024. He was born on April 30, 1930, to Francis Leo and Mary A. (Wood) Shea.

Leo grew up and attended school in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined the United States Army in 1949 and served for four years before being honorably discharged. During his service, he was stationed at Camp Lucas in Sault Ste. Marie. Leo met Bernice Frances Thompson and they married in 1951 and started their family. He worked at Freeman Wholesale as a delivery man for several years, before becoming a plumber. He also worked with his brother-in-law doing masonry and janitorial work. Leo moved to Arizona where he later met Atha Jane Wenzel. They moved to Show Low, Arizona, where he built Atha her dream home and he continued to work as a plumber until he retired after twenty-five years. In 2006 Leo moved back to Sault Ste. Marie.

Leo attended the Algonquin Methodist Church until his health declined and he was unable to attend. However, he never gave up on his Catholic faith.

Leo enjoyed going to the casino, playing cards and cribbage.

Leo is survived by his children, Dan Shea, James (Kim) Shea and Tony (Lori) McKerchie all of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Tammy, Pamela, Rayleen, Raychel, Cora, Jamie, Amanda, Stewart, Kayleen and Jenna; with several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and brother, Paul Shea.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Atha Jane; children, Baby James Shea, Kathleen Thorne, Michael Shea and David Shea; parents, Francis and Mary Shea; and brother, Carl Shea.

Per Leo’s wishes, the family will remember him privately and no public services will be held.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.