Isabel Helen “Doll” (Foley) Shea, of Medford, formerly of Somerville, September 22, 2026.

Daughter of the late Daniel W. “Bill” Foley and Mary (Bannon) Foley of Somerville. Adoring Mother to her devoted son Joseph P. Shea of South Boston; beloved sister of M. Francine (Foley) Sahlas of Medford and Nancy (Foley) Lynch of Somerville; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her treasured siblings, Phyllis R. Foley, Daniel W. Foley III, and Richard G. Foley; brothers-in-law Charlie Sahlas and Bob Scioletti, Sr.; and sister-in-law Frances A. (Shea) Murray.

Born in Boston, Isabel was the second of six children and grew up in Somerville, where she attended Saint Ann’s Catholic School and graduated from Somerville High School. She married Paul E. Shea (d. 1989) of Mattapan in 1968, and had one child.

As a working mother, Isabel stayed close to home working at the Mount Vernon Restaurant in Somerville. In 1992, she began a new professional chapter with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, building a resume that took her from the Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Division, to the State Auditor’s Office. She took great pride in her strong work ethic and in the career she built.

To know Isabel was to know a force of nature: intelligent, sharp-witted, generous and kind, she was also strongly devoted to family, and a lifelong animal lover. With her unmistakable presence, impeccable style, natural beauty and wonderful sense of humor, Isabel possessed a natural warmth and charisma that drew people to her and left a lasting impression.

At the center of Isabel’s life was her son, Joseph. She loved him fiercely and was enormously proud of the man he became. The two shared a close bond built on love, loyalty, laughter, and friendship. Joseph’s friends were always welcomed into Isabel’s home and treated as family, and many remained part of her life, long after their childhood years.

Isabel treasured her annual trips to Aruba with her sisters and their families, lifelong Maine get-aways, and frequent visits to Florida. Isabel maintained a close relationship with her in-laws, the Shea’s, and valued these connections, especially over the Christmas holiday.

In later years, Isabel and her sister Francine lived side-by-side as neighbors, where their individual front doors did little to separate their lives or their families. Along with travel there was shopping, good food, laughter, and the cheering on of her beloved Boston sports teams as favorite pastimes. Isabel leaves behind a family who adored her, a son who carries so much of her with him, and many people who were fortunate to have been part of her life. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Isabel’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Fund or Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), or the charity of your choice

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, October 8th in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville from 11:00AM to 12:30PM. Followed by a prayer service held in the funeral home at 12:30PM. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. 

Interment will be held privately at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.