Edna Shamie

Edna (Mertens) Shamie, age 93, passed away in the Norwood Hospital in Norwood, Massachusetts on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Born in New York City on August 19, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Edna (Balle) Mertens. She was raised in Jackson Heights and graduated from Newtown High School in Elmhurst, New York with the Class of 1941. After graduation, Edna took a position with Nathan Manufacturing Company in New York, working in the records department, where she met her soon to be husband, Raymond Shamie.

Edna and Ray were married on August 1, 1942 in Saint Jacobs Lutheran Church in Woodside, Long Island and made their home together in Bayside. In 1951, they moved to Agawam, Massachusetts and Edna was by Ray's side as he left Titflex to begin his own company, Metal Bellows. After moving with her family to Norwood, Massachusetts in 1955, Edna transitioned from the working world to the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her family. Edna's young family settled in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1964 and after her children had grown, she returned to the work force. Edna had an instrumental role in forming Infusaid Inc, which formed as an offshoot of Metal Bellows and later became Therex, in Sharon in the 1970s, making implantable pumps.

Edna was a constant driving force in her husband's life, later assisting him in his political career. She took an active role in his political campaigns against both Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. She also stood beside him throughout his years as the Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party. In addition to all the roles that Edna filled, she still found time to volunteer with the Pink Ladies at Norwood Hospital.

After their retirement, Edna and Ray settled into their home in Osterville and enjoyed spending winters together in Naples, Florida. Edna loved golfing, she was a longtime member of the Walpole Country Club and after moving to Cape Cod, she joined Oyster Harbor Country Club. While wintering in Naples, she enjoyed playing a round at the Quail Creek Country Club.

Beloved wife of the late Raymond Shamie.
Loving mother of Janet Steele and her late husband Jacob of Annapolis, Maryland and Susan Maynard and her husband Marc of Walpole.
Cherished grandmother of 5 and great grandmother of 6.
Sister of the late Margaret Peters.

All services will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.