Theodore William Shea, M.D.
February 14, 1960 – June 2, 2026

Theodore William "Ted" Shea, M.D., passed away on June 2, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 66 years old.

Ted was born in Los Angeles, California, on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1960, to the late William Henry Shea, M.D., and Karen Ruth (Olsen) Shea, M.D. Fittingly for a man who would dedicate his life to medicine, he was in a bit of a hurry to arrive, making his debut before the attending physician could make it to the room, delivered instead by the resident on duty.

Adventure defined Ted's early life. At just five months old, he embarked on a journey down the InterAmerican Highway through Mexico and Central America to Nicaragua, riding alongside his parents and older sister, Josephine, in an International Harvester Travel All. As the son of medical missionaries, Ted spent his childhood in Nicaragua, followed by periods in Boston and Trinidad, before the family settled in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Ted graduated from Andrews Academy and Andrews University before pursuing his own calling in medicine. He earned his medical degree from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1987 and became a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, dedicating his career to bringing new life into the world.

In 1994, Ted married the love of his life, Brigitte Linette Lovsto. Together, they built a beautiful life blessed with three children and six grandchildren—the youngest of whom, Ezra, was born just one day after Ted's death, carrying forward his grandfather's legacy of timely arrivals.

For many years, Ted practiced medicine in Northern California, making his home in Red Bluff. Most recently, he served as a staff physician at St. Elizabeth Community Hospital (Dignity Health). His missionary roots remained close to his heart; he recently spent a week volunteering with the Solanus Medical Mission in Honduras alongside his sister, Rebecca, an operating room nurse. It was a deeply meaningful experience serving the underserved, and he had hoped to return.

An enthusiast of life and movement, Ted was a dedicated athlete who ran marathons and completed triathlons. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Wilcox Oaks Golf Course since 1995.  He also enjoyed sailing and playing pickleball.

Ted is survived by his mother, Karen Shea; his parents-in-law, Trig and Arda (Kolenberg) Lovsto; his wife, Brigitte; their children, Madison (Giovanni) Romiti, Molly (Dylan) Talbert, and Harrison Shea; and his beloved sisters, Josephine Shea and Rebecca Shea Erdelyi. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Gianna, Valentina, Brigitta, Dahlia, Luca, and baby Ezra Romiti.

Memorial Donations: Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Theodore Shea's memory to the Solanus Medical Mission at www.solanusmedicalmission.org .

Arrangements are held under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.

Photo courtesy of Dignity Health.