Joan Helen Shea

Joan Helen Shea

Born in Salem Ma 04/12/1946

Joan Helen Shea, 80, of Peabody, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026.  Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Joan lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and unwavering love for her family and friends.  A kind, selfless, and strong-willed woman, she touched countless lives through her career as a nurse and through the care she freely gave to everyone fortunate enough to know her.  Joan was a graduate of St. Chretienne Academy and Salem School of Nursing.  She dedicated her life to serving patients and families throughout her distinguished career in nursing at Salem Hospital, Beverly Hospital, Danvers State Hospital, WorkWell, and Pediatric Associates. Her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her professional life. Family and friends often sought her wisdom and medical advice, which she generously shared freely.

Joan found her greatest joy in the people she loved. She is survived by the love of her life, of 57 years Brian Shea, and their three children: Patricia DeAngelis and her husband John of Pennsylvania, Brad Shea of Montana and Megan Pereira and her husband Nick Pereira of Peabody. She was a devoted grandmother to Mason and Cassidy, who were truly the joy of her world.

She is also survived by her late twin brother, John Burke, and her beloved sisters, affectionately known as "the Witches": Susan Leduc and her husband John, Patricia Burke her partner Michael Cochran and Kathleen Burke.

Joan was predeceased by her loving parents, Rita Burke and John Burke.

Joan embraced life fully and created cherished memories with those around her. She loved knitting, dancing, ironing, entertaining family and friends during the holidays, attending drum corps competitions, and spending summers with loved ones. Some of her happiest times were spent aboard the family's many race boats around Misery Island and enjoying summers at Lake Winnipesaukee. Whether hosting a holiday gathering, or sharing laughter with friends and family, Joan brought warmth, energy, and love wherever she went.

Above all, Joan was devoted to her family. Her kindness, generosity, strength, and endless willingness to put others before herself will be remembered always. The legacy she leaves behind lives on in the family she cherished, the friends she loved, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable 80 years.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or online at CareDimensions.org/Donate. (see the link below)

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