Frances Ayer O'Shea

Falmouth-Frances Ayer O'Shea, age 89, a resident of Falmouth, died on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Falmouth by the Sea, surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Frances was born in Boston, MA on June 15, 1928 the daughter of Frederick and Frances Ayer. She attended schools in Portland, Maine graduating from both Waynflete School and Saint Joseph's College. In 1949 she married Gerald (Jerry) D. O'Shea at St. Dominic's Church in Portland. Frances and Jerry were very involved with their church and community. They spent many years serving their Catholic faith as Marriage and Engaged Encounter Facilitators, as well as Eucharistic Ministers in their parish. They were also involved for many years with the Refugee Resettlement Program in Portland. Frances donated thousands of hours to the Legion of Mary helping the sick and elderly. She also tutored many refugees learning the English language, and worked at local thrift stores. Frances was predeceased by her husband Jerry with whom she spent 66 loving years with until his death in 2015. As a couple, they never stopped spreading love and fulfilling their commitment to God, their children, their church, and their community. Frances is survived by the pride and joy of her life, her six children, Shaun O'Shea (Anna-Marie) of Florence, SC, Chris O'Shea (Kathie) of Beverly, MA, Michael O'Shea (Deborah) of Manchester, NH, Martin O'Shea (Kathy) of Norfolk, MA, Paul O'Shea (Cheryl) of Falmouth, ME, and Mary Lilly (Mike) of Gorham, ME; her niece, Lydia Clark Hews of Gorham, ME, and nephew Nathaniel Clark (Nancy) of Falmouth, MA. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visiting hours and a celebration of Frances' life will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 9:45am followed by a 10:30am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. To view Frances' memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers those who wish may make contributions in Frances' memory to: The Mary Lilly Gathering Space at the Jewish Community Alliance, 1342 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101