Cornelia (Bowker) Shea of Scituate, beloved wife and mother passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 2, 2023.  Cornelia, age 84, was born on November 17, 1938, to Arnold J. Bowker and Mary McMahon Bowker.

After graduating from Scituate High School in 1956, Cornelia studied at Simmons then went on to graduate from the University of Connecticut with a Master's Degree in Social Work.  She was married to Dean G. Shea, her High School sweetheart, for 59 years.  Together they raised two children, Frances Shea Hamilton and Barbara Shea Civiello.

After having her children Cornelia dedicated her life to being an incredible and devoted mother.  She was always welcoming to friends and family.   Her kitchen table was a frequent gathering place to visit and benefit from her quick wit, advice and loving demeanor.  Cornelia was active in her community as a Girl Scout Leader, Yacht Club Juniors Program Leader, and as a CCD instructor.  Through her involvement in these programs, she helped young people develop confidence, integrity, and know the simple things in life are what make people truly happy.

One highlight of Cornelia's life was knowing, loving, and spending time with her three grandchildren: Gavin, Lauren, and Emma Hamilton.  She relished being a part of their lives and witnessing their many achievements.

In her spare time Cornelia was an avid reader and a tenacious gardener.  She and Dean created a beautiful backyard garden which was a true oasis appreciated by many.  Cornelia also enjoyed traveling with Dean to Scottsdale, AZ, and Tampa, FL, during the cold New England winters.

She was predeceased by her parents Arnold and Mary Bowker, her brother Lawrence Bowker and brother Christopher Bowker and wife Virginia Bowker and sister-in-law Alice Bowker and brother-in-law George Maloney.

She is survived by her husband Dean G. Shea, her daughters Frances and Barbara and their husbands Mathew and James, her grandchildren Gavin, Lauren and Emma Hamilton, and siblings Arnold J Bowker and Faith E Bowker Maloney as well as many beloved nieces and nephews who knew her as "Nini".

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, January 14, 2023, between 9am and 10:45 am at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer Street, Cohasset, MA.   A Mass will follow at Saint Anthony's Parish, 10 Summer Street, Cohasset, MA. at 11 am. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Trinity Section.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Friends of Scituate Town Library, 85 Branch Street, Scituate, MA 02066