Mary B. Paradis

An Irish lass by the name of Mary Bernadette Shea entered life on a chilly windswept winter day, January 8, 1955. She was the second of six children born and raised by Mary (McQuade) and Bob Shea in Goffstown, NH.

Mary graduated from Goffstown High School (Class of 1973) where she enjoyed cheerleading for four years and served as captain of the majorettes. She traveled twice to Ireland, once as a sixteen year old with family friends and later with her mother and Aunt Kay.

Mary married Don Paradis in October 1976 at Saint Edmund Catholic Church in Manchester, NH. For over 47 years, they made their home and raised their family at various locations in Goffstown and surrounding communities. Her employment history included working ten years for Osram Sylvania and another ten for Catholic Medical Center in the medical records department both in Manchester. Mary received the most enjoyment, however, operating a home day care for her own children and those of other family members, neighbors and friends.

Mary and Don raised five children. They include Ryan (Anna), Eric (Shannon), Kevin (Erika), Scott, and Lindsay. Her grandchildren were at the center of her emotional universe. Whether for a pop-in visit or extended stay, Connor, Caroline, Julian, Camilla and Koda always found a haven at her home where they were well fed, entertained and during the warmer months, given an opportunity to cool off in the backyard pool, a facility Mary meticulously maintained over the years.

Mary enjoyed cooking. Her crockpot barbecue kielbasa adorned many a potluck or family gathering table. Her signature meatloaf was to die for, literally. Upon turning 50, Mary was honored with a birthday celebration attended by scores of well-wishers. The highlight of this event was the gift of a brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle by her husband Don. She could now ride in style with the rest of the family.

For decades on every Black Friday, Mary and a bevy of Shea women gathered for their traditional holiday shopping spree joining the melee of ravenous shoppers scouring assorted stores and malls for just the right gifts. During one sweltering summer, Mary and Don took the entire family along with Mary’s mom to Disney World in Florida. Her mom used a wheelchair to get around allowing them to cut to the front of the long lines encountered there.

Mary is survived by her sister Sue Tuthill (Puggy) and her brothers Bob (Ellen), Jim (Carol), Pat (Sunny) and Steve (Josee). She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mary was predeceased by her parents and her daughter Lindsay who was taken way too early and who is now at rest with her mom by her side.

Mary Bernadette Paradis left this world on a warm sunny summer afternoon, June 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the wonderful staff at the hospice who provided Mary with exceptional care during her extended stay there. This allowed her to say goodbye to everyone, plan her funeral arrangements, and make peace with her maker. The memories of Mary’s life and the warmth of her love will remain to be cherished always by those she left behind. 

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue, Manchester, NH. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/