PORTSMOUTH—Joanne Shea Gough entered into eternal rest early Sunday morning, November 8, 2020 after praying the Rosary. She was born on September 12, 1942, in Portsmouth Virginia to Vincent Thomas Shea and Vivian King Shea, who both predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her loving husband James David Gough, Sr., her cherished son James David Gough, Jr. and her dear sister and friend, Evelyn Shea Compton Huey of Graham, North Carolina.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters Teresa Gough Bowers (Donald) of Chesapeake and Natalie Gough Britts (Robert) of Portsmouth;  grandchildren Jessica Bowers Smith (DJ), Donald R. Bowers II (Donnie), Anna Shea-Lena Bowers, all of Chesapeake, and Janeree Gann (Jeremy) of Las Vegas; and several great-grandchildren, Jacie Lynn Jones and Danyka Smith of Chesapeake, and Levi, Kaleb, James, Issac, Holly, Gracelyn and Felicity Gann of Las Vegas; her two brothers E.N. 'Butch' Shea (Susan) of Portsmouth and Vincent T. Shea, Jr. of Franklin; and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was a beautiful and fancy lady who loved to cook, garden, spend time with her family, travel (cruise ships and to the mountains with Daddy) and shop, especially on QVC with her sister Evelyn. The highlight of most of her days was her phone conversations with Evelyn, Peggy, Sandra, Dottie and Ann. She loved anything chocolate, her TicTacs and her jewelry. She really loved snuggling with her sweet boy, Sammy, her Maltese who was her constant companion since 2005. Sammy is being cared for by the DeSantis family (blessing) and the family cat, Stinky, is being fostered by Karen.

Mom is now dancing with Daddy again and enjoying her so-missed daily conversations with Evelyn and Peggy.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Karin Sandved, Kindred Hospice and, especially, the staff at Sentara Norfolk General for their care of Joanne as she journeyed through a very brief brain cancer diagnosis. The nursing care staff of 6RP, 8RP and Neuro ICU were knowledgeable, but most of all kind and compassionate. We would also like to thank her neighbors, especially Christa, who checked on Mom often and fed her well, and Ken for keeping her yard neat.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday, November 14, at 12 o'clock noon at Saint Paul Catholic Church, 522 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia.  A visitation will take place at the Church beginning at 11:00 a.m.  The church has a large sanctuary which will allow for proper social distancing. Masks are required for the safety of oneself and others.

Mom loved pretty things, flowers and plants included, however, if you choose to honor her by a donation you may contribute to the Saint Paul's Catholic Church Restoration Fund, c/o 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth, VA 23703, or an SPCA of your choice. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.