Santa M. Shea

As of the most recent update, we are able to offer visitation periods and funeral services in the funeral home or at a church.

·Please be mindful during visiting hours to keep your condolences brief so that others may offer theirs as well.
·Gathering in the lobby is not allowed so that we may adhere to health code mandates.
·Facemasks are required while inside the funeral home.
·Our staff is available for guidance.


Santa M. (Danella) Shea, 94, of Methuen, MA, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020, at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen. Born in Lawrence, MA, she was the daughter of the late Mauro and Angelina (Lapadula) Danella.

Raised in Lawrence, Santa was a graduate of Lawrence High School. She worked as a waitress at Friendly’s in Methuen for many years. Her biggest priority was tending to her family’s needs first and foremost. She was dedicated to them and her loved ones. Santa “Sandi” also enjoyed crossword puzzles, cooking delicious meals, hosting fancy dinners, and spending as much time possible with her loved ones, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a great host and loved to entertain.

She is predeceased by her husband, Martin J. Shea, Jr.; her sons, Russell, Maurice, and Gary Shea; and two siblings, Angelo and Joseph Danella.

Sandi is survived by her beloved son, Brian D. Shea and his wife, Peggy of Methuen; sister, Dorothy Coleman and her husband, Thomas of Methuen; cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey Shea and his companion, Krystal Borges, and Kathleen Dunlevy and her husband, Shaun; and great-grandchildren, Colin and Emma Dunlevy. She was also a loving aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, October 18, 2020, from 3:00-7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. The family respectfully requests that all attendees follow current Covid-19 guidance, including face coverings and social distancing. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 19, 2020 at St. Lucy Church, 254 Merrimack Street in Methuen. Entombment will follow in St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandi’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.