1934 - 2021
Visitation
January 12, 20213-7 pm
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N.Chelmsford, MA 01863
Funeral
January 13, 202111 A.M.
St. John the Evangelist Church in N. Chelmsford, MA.
Irene A. Shaughnessy, 86 of Chelmsford, MA passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Belvidere /Bear Mountain Healthcare, Lowell, MA.
She was the loving wife of Robert J. Shaughnessy, who passed away in 1998.
Born in Lowell, MA on May 22, 1934, the daughter of the late Francis P. and Irene J. (Johnson) McMahon. She was a graduate of Lowell High School with the class of 1954.
She worked at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell for over 12 years until 1992. For many years, she was also the loving daycare provider for family and many children who became her family, she loved each and everyone as if they were her own.
She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church of North Chelmsford.
Irene’s greatest joy was her large family especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she was so proud of. She loved the beach and spent much of her summer at Old Orchard Beach with her family and friends that became family. She always loved family holidays and celebrations especially St Patrick’s Day which was one of her favorite holidays. She enjoyed playing Bingo at St. Williams Church in Tewksbury with her sister Esther, scratching tickets and playing keno with her late twin sister Shirley.
Irene is survived by her loving children, Robert Shaughnessy and his wife Calia of Orlando, FL, Thomas Shaughnessy and his wife Dodi of Chelmsford, MA, Patricia and William Rigg, Kathryn and Brian Hayes both of Nashua, NH, Diane Millette and Glen Rivard and Colleen and Dennis Sargent both of Lowell, Ma and Erin Shaughnessy and Daniel Finnegan of Chelmsford, MA.
Also surviving Irene are her 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, who all held a special place in her heart. Alissa Anctil and her fiancé Jonathan Malloy and her children Bria and Ryleigh of Nashua NH, Ryan Sargent and his wife Amanda and their children Caleb and Kenley of Green Bay WI, Lindsey Caron and her husband Sean of Nashua NH, Thomas Shaughnessy of Chelmsford, MA, Sarah Rigg and her significant other Jeremy Wolfe and their soon to be born son Mitchell of Nashua NH, Jacob and Derek Millette of Lowell Ma.
Irene is also survived by her sister Esther Peavey of Tewksbury, MA, her brother Robert McMahon of Lowell, Ma, and a sister in law Cindy McMahon of Dracut, MA. along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was the sister of the late Francis McMahon, George McMahon, Gerald McMahon, Beverly Flood, Rita Burk and Shirley Mello.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Belvidere Health Care of Lowell MA, especially Colette Whitney and Daniel Emerson for the compassion and care that they have given to our Mom over the last 15 months.
Visiting hours Tuesday, January 12 2021 from 3-7 P.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 11 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, No. Chelmsford, MA. CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE STREAM OF FUNERAL MASS. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA. Memorials may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America @ ALZFDN.org…. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Robin Hennessey
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Dear Shaughnessy family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Irene was a wonderful woman and I was truly blessed to have her take care of my son, Justin when he was young. Rest in the sweetest peace, Irene.
Stacey Kelley Martins
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I could fill up this entire guestbook with memories of Aunt Irene and the cottage row crew. Her sharp wit, and even sharper tongue were legendary, but beyond her rough exterior was a softie like no other. I’m so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman, but so grateful you shared your mom with me for so many years. Aunt Irene, you will always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️Stacey
Martha Flood
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My sincere condolences to all of you .. Auntie I was such a strong , witty woman. I have so many wonderful memories and feel blessed that I have them . I know she is surrounded by all of her loved ones who have passed before her … RIP Auntie I we all love and miss you ???❤️
Tim Matthews
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Sorry for your loss
Stephen&Orea Nicolls
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To Diane and entire family members, our sincere condolences. Your mom was a genuine, loving person. We have very fond memories visiting Irene and the family in Chelmsford for parties. She was unique and very special. She raised such a loving family, who through her show what family love is all about. Love to you all❤️
Dottie Hirtle
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Dear Kathy And Brian I was so sorry to hear the passing of your Mom, I wish I lived closer to give you a big hug. I only met your Mom a few times but liked her a lot she made me feel so comfortable. Condolences to your whole family. R.I.P Irene.
Bobbi Britt
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To Diane and the whole Shaughnessy family my deepest condolences. I am so sorry for all the pain you are feeling. I have great memories of hanging out at Cottage Row in the 70’s and how fun and nice your mom was. May she Rest In Peace and stir things up in Heaven ???
Lisa Kasilowski Spiller
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Please accept my deepest condolences in this time of sorrow. There are so many unforgettable great memories . She was an amazing woman so full of life , spunk , and charisma. May she Rest In Peace. Sending hugs and kisses . Love ❤️ lisa
Coleen Kelley Thurber
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Oh sweet Shaughnessy Clan – how we have loved and adored your mom and all of you since childhood. The ups and downs and twists and turns in life – we have experienced them all together. Aunt Irene was a legend to us – and the nucleus of so many incredible memories shared. She lived life so fully and loved people so completely and was the life of the party! We share your grief and sadness and know it is so deep because the love you shared was so deep. Heaven just got a whole lot more spirited and whole lot more fun with its newest member! Sending such love and appreciation to all of you. You got this…..you are Shaughnessy’s. ❤️
Mickey Slattery
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Mrs. Shaughnessy I did not know you personally.I wish that I had met you. We know your daughter, Erin, and seeing what a wonderful and caring person she is, I believe she is that way because of you. May God Bless you and now hold you in His arms. Your family will miss their beautiful Mom. ?????
Bob & Marylou McInnis
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So sorry to learn of Irene’s passing. She and husband Bob were “step” relatives from husband Bob’s brother Eddy. We had many good times with them and remember her as a “hot Irish/American ticker” full of life and love. Prior to her illness we met and talked at the SHRINE Church in Lowell. She will be missed by her large family. But for the Covid and our age we will not be at her services. We send this to her family and friends….God Love her as we do….Bob McInnis & Marylou
Gail Bruce
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The Shaughnessy’s and the Mello’s grew up together and from very young ages. My most fun memories are going to the beach and sitting for hours with Aunt Irene. We had that in common and the love of family as well. It is hard when you lose a parent and I truly believe that they are in the best place together that there is no pain or sadness and they watch over us. We have to keep those thoughts for us all to survive their deaths. Thinking and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Love Gail♥️ Heaven has another angel
Mark Mancini
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To my Shaughnessy cousins- I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you’re suffering. I will always remember Aunt Irene as an amazing person, full of energy, life and love for family. While distance prevented us all from seeing each other often, you always made time to see us at important events or summer get-togethers. Each time feels as though we picked-up right where we left off. Please know that the O’Hara/Mancini clan is crying with you and we are very grateful for the many memories we share together. I know that Aunt Irene is at peace and is in Heaven with Grammy (Aunt Helen) and the other angels from our family.
Patrick Donaher
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Bobby, All Shaughnessy family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Irene was a Great Wonderful Woman. EVERY St. Patty’s Day, I always think of her with a Smile. You could sense that Spring had arrived if you cruised passed Gay Street- NORTH CHELMSFORD, Ma —–Corn Beef/Cabbage, The House decorated to the MAX. God Bless Irene.
Pat Donaher-Lowell
Kathy & Jon Mancini
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We are very sad to hear of Irere’s passing. We are going to miss her greatly. We have a great deal of love and respect for your Mom as she always made us feel welcome and comfortable. We have so many memories of the family gatherings. Family is the greatest gift that anyone can ask for, and she headed one of the greatest families we have ever had the pleasure of knowing and being a part of. We will always have her and you in our thoughts and prayers.
Patty Merrill-Menear
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So sorry for loss
Nancy Farrell
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Patty, Bill, Alissa, Sara and Shaughnessy family, my sincere condolences to all of you. I had the pleasure of meeting your Mom/Nana a few times, she made you feel like family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. ❤
Karen & Rob Kew
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Thinking of all of you during this very sad time. If not for COVID, we certainly would have attended the services. Your Mom was always a pleasure to be around and we have many good memories.
Gail & Paul Gray
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Dear Shaughnessy Family: We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many great memories of your mother. She was full of life and always had a smile on her face. Unfortunately, we could not attend the services due to Covid concerns. Thinking of you and keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl (Dutton) Smith
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I am so very sorry for your loss. May Irene rest in peace!! ? ❤