On July 25, 2020 Maryann Shea Malizia was greeted by St. Therese of Lisieux “The Little Flower” who held out her arms and took Maryann to heaven to be with her beloved husband, Lou, her doting parents, her daughters and nephew.
Mame, as she was known to her grandchildren, was truly one of the exceptional women of “The Greatest Generation.” She was a proud Germantown girl of the late Edward J. and Anna MacKessey Shea. She attended Immaculate Conception Parish School and Little Flower Catholic High School.
Maryann married Robert Taggart in 1948 and remained in Germantown until 1959 when along with her dad (Pop-Pop to their kids) they moved to Mt. Airy. Life in Mt. Airy was plete with neighborhood folly that fills families with the wonderment of growing. Overflowing with children, Crittenden Street allowed all the kids to go from bike to bike, car to car and house to house to generate happy times. Mom’s house had its particular set of rules to make life manageable for her raising six kids as a single mom.
Mame was a woman of engaging humor who loved books, devouring the daily newspaper, crossword puzzles, magazines and the spontaneous articulation of bon mots of hardy laughter. She reveled in the restorative powers of a good nap and a great hoagie with a cold beer.
With as much verve she equally loved: attending Monday’s novena at “The Shrine,” reading to fall asleep, seasonal jewelry, hanging clothes on the line, laying by the pool and ocean, Helen Jennings, taking kids for a ride, singing, ALWAYS being punctual, choosing the exact card for the occasion, a corned beef special, Aunt Rosemary’s phone calls, the house filled with guests for a wonderful Sunday dinner, sharing a really dry martini with extra olives with Buzz and Sis, and, of course, her blended family, which happened when she met the love of her life, Lou Malizia, a Germantown boy at that!! All Mame had to say to Lou was, “Let’s go to . . .” and Lou was in the driver’s seat providing chauffeur duties and an ear to the masterful raconteur.
When she saw an injustice she sat her children down and explained to them the right, just and courageous way to deal with it going forward that was Mame’s way.
She leaves behind an extended family of those she has met on her journey here including her loving brother and sister-in-law, Buzz and Sis Shea.
She surely will never be forgotten by her blended family: Jack Taggart (Donna), Nancy Taggart, Tony Taggart, Kate Taggart, Billy Malizia (Linda), Bobby Malizia (Pat) and Lois Bressler (John).
Mame was pre-deceased by her husband, Lou, and her daughters: Maureen Taggart, Betsy Taggart and Robin Taggart.
Due to her devotion to Little Flower memorial contributions in her name may be made to: Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, c/o Advancement Department, 1000 W. Lycoming Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.