Barbara St. John Shea, 75, of Harrisonburg, passed away on Monday October 30, 2023, at Sunnyside.
Mrs. Shea was born on September 15, 1948, in Burr Oak Kansas, and was a daughter of the late Daryl and Gloria (Meyer)
Wilson. She grew up in Wildwood, New Jersey, and graduated from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. She was a lifelong
student and teacher, and received her bachelor's in nursing from UMBC, her master's from University of San Diego, and her
doctorate from Catholic University.
On August 26, 1969, she married Thomas St. John who preceded her in death on August 30, 2018. She later married Howard
Shea, who preceded her in death on June 26, 2022.
She wore many hats throughout her life including school nurse, Girl Scout leader, home health nurse, lactation consultant, and
nursing school professor. Her role as a Navy wife took her to places across the country, from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to
Twentynine Palms, California.
She loved to read, experiment in the kitchen, and was a self-professed chocoholic. She enjoyed camping, trips to Bermuda, and
visiting family. She cherished her children and grandchildren.
Faith was a central part of her life. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC, where she lived
for over 20 years, before circumstances brought her to Virginia to be closer to her children. In recent years, she became a
member of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Mrs. Shea is survived by her children, Paul St. John and wife Sherilyn of Manassas, Kathleen Iudica and husband Christian of
Harrisonburg, Kelly Schermerhorn and husband Frank Salazar of El Paso, TX; a brother, Michael Wilson; sisters, Teresa
Williams, Claire McMasters, and Mary See; and her grandchildren, Kennedy, Victoria, Bethany, Ross, and Claire.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard, NC with
Father Shawn O’Neill officiating.
Inurnment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church by visiting:
https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20001043?tab=home