Mary Jean "Gigi" Shea

Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother (“Gigi”), Sister, Aunt and Friend, Mary Jean peacefully departed from this world at her home on Thursday, November 2nd. Her passing on All Souls Day was most fitting.

Born on May 7, 1931 (“remember the day the 7th of May”) in Chicago, IL, Mary Jean was the second of four children to William and Edith Birmingham. On August 28, 1954, she married the love of her life Bill, and the couple welcomed their four children while living in Chicago. In August 1967, they embarked on a new chapter, moving the family to Colorado. The move from the city to what was once farmland when they arrived, was an exciting new adventure for the Shea’s. They attended Saint Mary’s of Littleton, where they’d meet lifelong friends.

In 1976, Mary Jean joined the workforce at Martin-Marietta. She often said that Martin was very good to her, but we know that she gave them her everything and then some in return.

Mary Jean's Catholic faith was an integral part of her daily life right up until her passing. She walked alongside God and the Blessed Mother and lovingly encouraged others to do the same. She and Bill were active members of Saint Mary's Catholic School and Church throughout their lives, further embodying their deep faith.

Mary Jean was a beautiful, funny and wise soul who was deeply loved by her family. She was spunky, clear- headed, smart and incredibly loving.

She is survived by her brother, Jim Birmingham (Kathy), and her children: Sue Kerr (Tim), Lisa Field (Lane), Will Shea (Nettie), and Julie Kerr (Brian). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Nate Field (Jamie), Luke Field (Melissa), Rachel Podczervinski (Alan), Liz Kerr, Joe Kerr (Stephanie), Mary Houtsma (Matt), Kevin Kerr, Anne Burgess (Tom), Liam Shea, Clare Kerr, Chrissy Kerr, Cat Kerr, and Bonnie Shea. Additionally, her great-grandchildren include Drew Podczervinski, Molly Floyd, Peter Houtsma, Alaina Podczervinski, Bella Field, William Houtsma, Kate Floyd, Jake Field, Xavier Houtsma, Abby Field, Lincoln Field, Lucas Kerr, Charlie Kerr, Will Burgess, and PJ Burgess. Mary Jean also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as her dearest friend of over 50 years, Rita Smith.

Mary Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, her sister, Donna O'Connor, her brother, Bill Birmingham, and her grandson John Kerr.

We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating Mary Jean's life on Wednesday, November 15th at St. Mary's of Littleton, 6853 S Prince Street. The day will begin with the recitation of the Rosary at 10:15 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held at the church immediately after the service. Burial at Littleton Cemtery will be at a later date.

Livestream of the Service can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/@stmarylittleton/streams

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that memorial contributions be made in her honor to Catholic Charities’ Samaritan House.

You can donate to Samaritan House online at ccdenver.org/donate or by mail to Catholic Charities at 6240 Smith Road Denver, CO 80216