Barbara M. (McQuillan) Shay

Barbara M. Shay, age 86, of Fairfield, beloved wife of the late Herbert “Skip” Shay, Jr., passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family Wednesday, July 12, 2023.  Born in Bridgeport, the daughter of the late James and Theresa McQuillan, she was raised in Stratford and had been a Fairfield resident for the last 67 years.  She graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, class of ’54 and attended nursing school. Barbara devoted her life to raising her six children, yet enjoyed working for 20 years for the Howland’s and Steinbach department stores, where she developed many friendships.  She loved reading and animals of all kinds and spending time with her loving family.  She will be sadly missed by three children, Kevin Shay and his wife Leslie of Fairfield, Deborah and her husband “Duke” Sherwood of Fairfield and Cindy Kozlowski and her companion Thomas Stockell of Stratford; her grandchildren, Jason Shay and his wife Tara, Tayra Shay, Christopher Sherwood and his wife Jackie, Julie Sherwood, Megan Kozlowski and Emily Shay, and three great-grandchildren Kayla Shay, Brandon Shay and Patrick Sherwood.  In addition to her loving husband Herbert, she was predeceased by her daughter Kimberly Shay and two sons, James Shay and Herbert “Chip” Shay.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield.  Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Prior calling hours have been omitted.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the CT Humane Society, 455 Post Road east, Westport, CT 06880. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com

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