Roxanne M. Shea ... born in Rochester; at 66

ALTON - Roxanne M. Shea (nee LeClair, formerly Guldbrandsen and Luscomb), 66, born May 24, 1956 in Rochester, died April 6, 2023 at home in Alton after a period of failing health.

Roxanne M. Shea was a bold personality, vivid storyteller, letter-writer, and host of many gatherings of friends and families, working to keep people connected over generations. Over the course of her life, she worked in factories, food service, and housekeeping, but she always wanted to be remembered as a mother and grandmother, always "putting the kids first." Her stories -- told to family, friends, strangers, and anyone who would listen -- typically revolved around her four sons and eight grandchildren, who she recognized as uniquely special human beings. In many ways, she was generous beyond her means.

A defining moment in Roxanne's life was when she became a mother at the age of 16. She returned to finish her last two years of high school, married and with a baby in-tow. Rejecting any stigma that was sometimes directed toward her, she wore her identity as a "teen mom" as a badge of honor, which was a source of pride for her entire life. By the age of 22, divorced with two children, she worked hard to provide for her family despite inherent financial challenges. During those early years, her children were well-dressed and made to feel special. Her children remember fondly in those early years many adventures to York Beach and other places of natural beauty around New Hampshire and Maine.

Her young family's quality of life improved when she met and married Michael F. Shea and they started their family anew, adding two more children, all of whom she insisted were full brothers, noting that there is no such thing as a half-brother. Perhaps out of a sense of adventure and a desire to strive toward something better, the family moved houses more frequently than anyone ever really understood. She had a keen eye for home décor and always created beauty at home, regardless of the circumstances. She always made her places much better than she found them. She spent most of her life in New Hampshire, apart from a brief move to Texas in the mid-1970s. Ultimately, she and Michael purchased their home "At the Top of Bay Hill" in Alton and made it their personal oasis in the world, with gardens and an extensive artistic glass collection.

She is survived by her husband (Michael F. Shea), four sons (Thaddeus Guldbrandsen, Joshua James Luscomb, Tobias Michael Shea and wife Allyson Shea, and Zachary Daniel Shea), eight grandchildren (Zander Countway Guldbrandsen, Autumn Mussey, Asa Countway Guldbrandsen, Sydney McDonald, Jacob Luscomb, Gabriel Shea, Natalie Shea, Everett Shea, Onnah McDonald), former husband (Fred Guldbrandsen), daughter in-law (Amy McDonald), sister (Margo McGovern and husband Michael McGovern of Rochester), brother (Richard J. LeClair, II and his wife Laurie of Berwick, Maine), nieces (Amanda Goodrich, Bridgett McGovern, Lorin Sherman, Tracy Wood, Benard McGovern, Michaela McGovern, and their families), and many great nieces and nephews. Benard McGovern

She was predeceased by her parents (Virginia LeClair, nee Reed and Richard J. LeClair), sister (Susan Bennett), former (husband Kenneth Luscomb) brother (Paul Rouleau) and many friends and family who she kept alive in memory through her vibrant stories.