Obituary of John Clifford Shea

J. Clifford Shea, 78, left us in the early morning on Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, due to complications from pneumonia.

Clifford knew he was not a perfect man, and sadly his demons were stronger than him... taking those last few years away from all of us.  He will be fondly remembered for his love to tell a good joke - he truly enjoyed making people laugh.  His love of golf and the game of bridge. He always looked for a great bridge group to join wherever he was.   He was a deep and emotional person, but often was misunderstood.  Later in life, he began to explore his emotions through writing.  He was a beautiful writer and enjoyed writing poetry.  He would spend hours and sometime days writing heartfelt poetry about everyone in his life, moments of regret and others that inspired him.  It was his way of showing people he cared and loved them.  He proudly self-published a poetry book in 2009.  Other things he enjoyed was cooking soups and baking banana bread, which he would always try to make extra to share with the people that lived in his building. 

Clifford was born in Ingonish, NS, and was 1 of 19 children.  The son of the late Thomas and Bridget (Dunphy) Shea (O’Shea), he is survived by his sisters Sheila Cameron, Jacqueline (Jackie) Doucette, Lorraine (Bunny) Doucette and brother Kenneth (Ken) O'Shea.  His children Kim (Shea) Haun and family, Shannon (Shea) Bienvenue and family, Todd Shea and family, and Patricia (Mccurdy) Wright and family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424).  Cliff’s ashes will be taken back to his hometown of Ingonish Beach next summer, 2021 with a small family gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ridgewood Addiction Services (506-674-4300), Mental Health New Brunswick (https://cmhanb.ca/get-involved/donate), or to the charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com