This Award is dedicated in loving memory of the late Agnes Sheehan, a charter member of the Parade Committee, and the first woman to be chosen as the Parade’s Grand Marshal. In keeping with the traditions of Agnes, the Community Service Award This award recognizes an individual who has given of him or herself to help improve the community.
Mary Shea was born in Worcester in the Lincoln Street area to a
strong Irish family. She attended St. Paul’s Grammar School and the
Academy of the Sacred Heart before graduating from North High
School. Mary has been involved with the Worcester community through
both her career work and volunteer commitments.
Mary started working with the Worcester District Court and
transitioned to the Superior Court. After thirty-eight years, she retired
as a Court Magistrate.
Over seventeen years ago, Mary became involved with the St. Peter’s Parish Food Bank through her brother, Fr. James Shea. Mary recalls he spoke with her about possibly helping with the parish food bank. He was busy with other programs. Mary became a devoted volunteer working with the weekly Wednesday morning Food Bank. She continued her commitment to the Food Bank when her brother unexpectedly died.
The needs for this program have grown distributing to 150 to 200 families weekly. Recently, Mary became the Manager of St. Peter’s Food Bank. She directs a team of multi-skilled volunteers who all have a connection to the St. Peter’s. Through the years, her family has honored her commitment to the Food Bank. Her daughter, Katie LaGorce, and son-in-law, Luke LaGorce, as well as her grandchildren Maeve and James, can be seen working at major events such as Thanksgiving
distribution. St. Peter’s Food Bank provided over four hundred families
baskets this past holiday.
The Parade Committee is proud to honor Mary for her commitment to feeding those in need in the community.