Obituary of Charlotte D O'Shea

Charlotte Donovan O'Shea, 88, of Greenwich, died on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Affectionately known as Mimi to family and friends, she was surrounded by family when she passed peacefully at the Bridges by Epoch Memory Care Assisted Living in Trumbull, CT.

Mimi was predeceased by her beloved husband of 45 years, William 'Bill" O'Shea, and is survived by her five children and their spouses: Charlotte O'Shea Glovin (Peter) of Fairfield, CT, William J. O'Shea (Kiku) of Marietta, GA, Dr. Daniel J. O'Shea (Kelly) of Sinking Springs, PA, Stephen L. O'Shea (Jennifer) of Greenbrae, CA, and Emily O'Shea (Peter Creeden) of Sydney, Australia. She is also survived by eleven adoring grandchildren: Charlotte "Eliza" Glovin (NY, NY), William O'Shea Jr. (Greenville, SC), Abby O'Shea (Arlington, VA), Anna Glovin (NY,NY), Kendall O'Shea (Pompano Beach, FL), Emma O'Shea (Columbia, MD), Molly O'Shea (Boston, MA), Courtney Glovin (Fairfield, CT), Katie O'Shea, Chloe O'Shea and Lily O'Shea (Greenbrae, CA).

Mimi was born on September 21, 1935, in Georgetown, DC, the first of five children to Charlotte Lovekin Donovan and Capt. Jerome Donovan (USN). The daughter of a commissioned Naval officer during WWII, Mimi's early years were spent moving between Annapolis, MD, Bremerton, WA, and Pearl Harbor, HI as her father's service required. This experience greatly influenced Mimi, developing in her profound commitment to family, appreciation of service, deep faith, and ability to make friends in any circumstance. Following the War, Mimi's family settled in Weston, CT.

Mimi graduated from Sacred Heart School in Greenwich, CT, Trinity College in Washington, DC and earned a Master's degree in special education from Columbia University. Influenced by her younger sisters hearing loss, she went on to teach at the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York.

Married in 1963, Mimi and Bill moved their growing family from New York City to Greenwich, CT in 1968, establishing deep roots in the community over the next 50 years. On top of raising 5 children Mimi practiced her faith at St. Michael's Catholic Church, was a fixture at the Stanwich Club, and volunteered at her children's schools and charitable causes, including her decades of service to the New Covenant House in Stamford, CT. Along the way she developed incredible friendships that survive to this day.

Although fiercely competitive when required on the course or court, or when beating breast cancer, Mimi was better known for her warmth, welcoming spirit, and joyous laugh. A voracious reader, lover of music and passionate gardener, Mimi found joy while dancing with her husband, celebrating with friends, cheering on and inspiring her children and grandchildren, and in serving others.

Despite her final years being marked by dementia, Mimi never once lost her infectious cheer and ability to find the light in everything around her. Her family is exceptionally grateful for the care she received at Bridges by Epoch during these final years and her caregivers were equally impacted by her spirit and smile. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Fairfield, CT on Thursday, August 29th at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your local food bank in honor of Mimi.

For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com