A Memorial Scholarship Fund has been named for Sheila Shea and Timothy J. Galvin, late residents of Malden and Melrose, respectively. The Galvin-Shea Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to two graduating seniors from Malden Catholic High School who plan to attend college. The $3,000 award will be presented to both a male and female graduate. The Class of 2022 will mark the first graduating class of female students from Malden Catholic (MC).
Shea, a native of County Cork, Ireland, died in July 2020. She was a Malden resident for more than 50 years and worked many years for the Volpe Construction Company. She volunteered much of her time to worthy causes in Malden and was selected for the annual Cheverus Award in 2010 for her many hours volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister at Immaculate Conception Parish. In addition, Shea brought Communion to those in the Parish who were unable to attend Mass due to illness. She was also selected the “Volunteer of the Year” by Bread of Life in Malden.
Galvin, son of Bartolomew and Eleanor (Shea) Galvin, formerly of Melrose, and nephew of Sheila Shea, died suddenly in February 2002 at the age of 35. He was the husband of Michelle (Garton) Galvin and the father of two young sons, Brendon and Timothy. Galvin was a 1984 MC graduate and lettered in both football and track. He was gifted with an outstanding personality and was well-known as well as well-liked in the Melrose area. He was the brother of Kathleen M. (Galvin) Sherman of Saugus, Sheila M. (Galvin) Gamst of Melrose and Dennis B. Galvin of Bradford, who also graduated from Malden Catholic.
The scholarship was donated by Charles Harrington, a native of South Boston who now resides in Florida. He was Shea’s best friend for many years. Harrington’s only request was that the recipients of the scholarships be outgoing students who have volunteered to help others. Harrington plans to make the scholarship an annual award to MC graduates.
“The scholarships are a wonderful, generous way to honor their legacies and make a tremendous impact for our students here at MC,” said an MC spokesperson.