Obituary of Barbara Shea Noonan

Barbara Shea Noonan, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 after a long, hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Astoria, Queens on February 24, 1950 to the late Eugene Shea and Muriel Gillis, Barbara was raised in Uniondale, Long Island where she graduated from Uniondale High School in 1968. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Kings County Hospital School of Nursing in Brooklyn, NY before going on to work at Kings County Hospital in the respiratory intensive care unit, eventually working her way up to assistant head nurse.

During her time as a nurse she met her husband, John Daniel Noonan, MD. They were married on June 11, 1972 and together raised five children in Bethlehem, NY. 

Barbara will be remembered for her life-long spunk and dedication to her family which took on many forms- from hours spent cheering for her children on the playing fields to endless carpool shuttles in her signature wood-paneled station wagon. Barbara was also a dedicated volunteer who spent many hours supporting the St. Peter’s Hospital Auxiliary and thrift shop. She was a worldwide traveler who loved everything from a beach vacation to a trek around the globe- always bringing home a thoughtful souvenir for her loved ones. Barbara loved a good party with good music, good friends and a good margarita!

Barbara was predeceased by her loving son, Brendan Shea Noonan and her dear brother Donald Shea. She is survived by her husband of nearly 49 years, John, and their four children Kristen Pringle (Greg) of Hingham, MA; John Noonan, Jr. of East Greenbush, NY; William Noonan (Elyse) of Darien, CT; and Kathleen Brochu (Francois) of Slingerlands, NY. She will also be forever remembered and loved by her eight grandchildren; Audrey, Bridget, and Brendan Pringle; Liam, Finnian and Cameron Brochu; and Brendan and Olivia Noonan along with her loving sister Jeanne Herring (William) of East Meadow, NY, her brother William Shea (Celeste) of Yaphank, NY and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Matthew’s “Church Ladies” who ensured that Barbara always got out for her regular ice cream and desserts, her dedicated caregivers- Christina and Donna- who took care of her daily needs and so much more, and the many friends who always made Barbara feel so special and loved. A small celebration of her life will be held at a future date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Barbara Shea Noonan.