According to a theory, Shigeie in his later years returned to secular life from the Buddhist priesthood, and died in Kishiwada under the patronage of the lord of Kishiwada Domain in Izumi province, Nobukatsu OKABE.
一説に、晩年の重家は仏門から還俗して和泉国岸和田藩の藩主・岡部宣勝の庇護を受けながら、岸和田で死去したという説もある。