"Our sympathy to all the family during this sad time. Sincerely, James & Marianne Bielmaier. (former W. C. residents)"
In loving memory of
Mary Carol Shey
December 11, 1936 - July 23, 2014
Mary Carol (Haegelin) Shey has left this world but not our hearts, passing away peacefully on July 23, 2014. Visitation will be held at Foster Funeral and Cremation Center in Webster City, Iowa on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
Mary Carol was born on December 11, 1936 in Atchison, Kansas to Joseph and Bernice (Searles) Haegelin. She attended catholic schools throughout her primary education, graduating from the Mount Saint Scholastica Academy for girls in 1954. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Mount Saint Scholastica College and studied from 1954 until 1957. Mary Carol loved her faith and for a brief time was postulant at the convent in Atchison. Although she enjoyed her time at the convent, after 6 months, she decided to pursue a career in teaching. Her first teaching job was as a third grade teacher and she shared stories over the years about the children she taught. On an outing with a friend, she met a young Benedictine College student named George Cruise Shey. On June 13, 1959, they were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at St. Benedicts Catholic Church in Atchison, Kansas. They then moved to Iowa City, Iowa where George was enrolled in the University of Iowa Dental School. After completing dental school in 1962, they moved to Webster City, Iowa where George opened his own dental practice.
Mary Carol kept busy with their seven children and worked at the dental practice keeping the books. She was very involved at St. Thomas Aquinas Church teaching religious education (CCD), as a lecturer and would visit the homebound. Mary Carol could paint in both oil and water color, preferring to capture beautiful winter scenes on canvas. She also was an accomplished seamstress, sewing for her family for many years. Mary Carol was a wonderful cook. Thanksgiving always meant that you could get a slice of one of her delicious, homemade pies and she liked to start the meal with an Irish blessing or a clever quote. Mary Carol and George loved to see the world. They traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Over the years they shared many beautiful pictures and interesting stories of their trips abroad.
Mary Carol is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, George, their seven children, Dr. Kellee Shey (Trepp) and Dan Trepp of Webster City, Iowa; Micheleen and Judge David Staudt of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Brian and Monica Shey of Chicago, Illinois; Mark Shey of Chicago, Illinois; Erin and Gregory Tasler of Webster City, Iowa; Georgeann and Keith Ligori, Esquire, of Tampa, Florida; Dr. Michael and Teresa Shey of Webster City, Iowa. Her grandchildren include Elizabeth, Madeleine and Daniel Trepp; Nathaniel, Mark and Alec Staudt; Ava Shey; Christopher, Jonathon, Olivia and William Tasler; Meaghann and Nicholas Ligori and Ethan Shey. She is also survived by her brother Joseph and Kitty Haegelin of Dallas, Texas; sisters, Bernice (Bunny) and Dr. Joseph Burke of Atchison, Kansas; Kathryn (Betty) and Phillip Boos of Atchison, Kansas; and brother-in-law, Richard Leahy of Orange County, California. She also leaves behind beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Bernice Haegelin, sister Mary Agnes (Dee Dee) Leahy and grandson, Colin Shey.
Mary Carol loved her faith, family and friends. She will be remembered for her smile, laughter and joy of life. She will be dearly missed.
Tributes
"Dear George and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear wife, mother and grandmother. George, I was married to Frank Heili, son of Francis and Rosemary Haegelin Heili. Frank and I were married in August, 1959. Frank wanted me to get to meet the Haegelin clan before our wedding so he asked my parents if he could take me to Atchison for your wedding. Frank's sister Jane and her then boyfriend (now spouse) Jim Casey drove with us from St. Paul, MN to Atchison. I thought Mary Carol was the most beautiful bride I had ever seen. Each time I saw her she always glowed with peace and beauty. My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you. Mary Kay Heili (widow of Frank J. Heili, Kansas City, MO.)"
"To all my dear Cousins- My sympathies to your family. Mary Carol will always be remembered as a beautiful and gracious woman. Her smile was infectious & her welcoming manner always made me feel as though we had just seen each other. Another Haegelin will join a great party that will last late into the hours in Heaven! My prayers are with all of you at this time . God bless!"
"Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I enjoyed the time we had with mary. She was a beautiful n awesome woman and will be missed by many. R.I.P mary!! And may god be with you all!!!!"
"Dear George and Family, We are very saddened to learn of Mary Carol's passing. She was a wonderful lady and will be deeply missed. Please accept our sincere condolences. Dick and Ginny Mohr"
"A remarkable person with a heart of gold. I see her legacy in her beautiful family. She is deserving of a very special place in heaven."
"Our deepest sympathy to the entire Shey family. She was such a lovely, gracious lady. I'm sure the angels sang when she entered her heavenly home. God Bless & Keep All of You! Bill & Sandi Garner"
"Dear Shey family, I was saddened to learn of Mary's death. She was a very special woman. Yes, I enjoyed her pie! Mark, Erin and I road to Iowa Central together. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dennis Pedersen"
"Please accept our sympathy on the loss of Mary. She was such a pleasant woman. What a delight! Gods blessings to everyone . Darwin and Evelyn Pedesen"
"Dear Shey Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Carol was a beautiful person and I was privileged to know her and serve her. The song "You are my Sunshine" is special to me because she loved to sing and especially that song. She is in the arms of Christ now. "
"My Dear Shey Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Carol was a remarkable woman. One of the strongest yet most gentle souls I've ever known. I have so many memories that bring tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. May it comfort you to know that she is now at peace and watching over her beautiful family. Analisa"
"I'm sorry for your loss... as a child, working at Fareway I saw Mary on a regular basis... she was by far one of my favorite customers and always was doing something that would make us both laugh... Living around the block for many years, she was a regular, walking with the dog... she often stopped and chatted for a minute or two before she proceeded on...As a young woman, working for George, I saw her several times a week. Mary was by far one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing... I'm sure she never had any idea just how many times she made people smile just by being Mary.... she is missed already....."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Mary was a huge part of my childhood. She was a gem. I'm so sorry."
"I remember having Mrs. Shey for CCD classes. I remember her warmth and sparkling personality. Blessings to her family. I am sure that you will miss her deeply. Terry Ross Dutcher`"