Eleanor Ann McShea

Eleanor Ann McShea, 85, of Sterling, VA died Thursday December 18, 2024 at her home in Sterling.

Born in West Chester, PA on April 30, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Collins McShane and John Francis McShane. Eleanor had a lifelong affinity for her West Chester roots.

She was a 1957 graduate of St. Agnes High School in West Chester and later Towson State University in Towson, MD. She taught high school English in Maryland for several years before following her passion by working in the antiques business, where she took great joy in discovering history in diverse objects and crafts, from jewelry to furniture, folk art, glassware, or collectibles of varying types and forms. This endeavor was her joy for many years.

She is survived by her brother Michael J. McShane and cousin Doris Ann Taggart, both of Pennsylvania, four sons – Michael and his wife Cathleen, of San Anselmo, CA, Matthew and his wife  Sally, of Sierra Madre, CA, Joseph and his wife Anne, of Great Falls, VA, Patrick and his wife Maryam, of Leesburg, VA, and five grandchildren, Brian, Liz, Andrew, Hannah, and Anna, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Nothing gave her greater pride and joy in her life than family.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Joseph Mark McShea, Sr. a Baltimore County math teacher. She was also predeceased by her sister Joan P. McShane and her cousin Mary Ellen Trego.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Tuesday January 7, 2025 from 6-8pm at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church St. West Chester PA 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com. Services will at the Funeral Home on Wednesday January 8, 2025, at 10am. All family and friends are welcome to attend and share in the celebration of her life and generous spirit.

Interment will be in the St. Agnes Cemetery 1050 Pottstown Pike West Chester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association