Carol J. Shaughnessy

Carol J. Shaughnessy, 77, of Fox Chapel, formerly of Forest Hills, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, after an inspiring, courageous and humble battle with ALS. She was the daughter of the late William and Anne Skapik; beloved wife of the late Michael J. Shaughnessy, M.D.; loving mother of Maureen Shaughnessy of San Rafael, Calif., and Michael (Amy) Shaughnessy of Ross Township; cherished grandmother of Nathaniel, Declan, Emma, and Maeve; sister of Michael Skapik, of Claremont, Calif.; sister-in-law and best friend of Eileen Connelly; also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. Carol was a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy Academy and San Jose College, where she was a sister of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Carol spent many years as an art teacher in West Jefferson School District and The Ellis School, where her creativity and passion shined. Carol was also a savvy business lady whose roots began in her mother's clothing store in Clairton, and later applied that experience to help run the Shaughnessy Funeral Home in Duquesne. Carol also became one of the top listing real estate associates for Cimino Realty and Prudential Realty. She actively donated her time and creativity to help raise money for any cause to better humanity. Carol embraced life to the fullest. Many will remember her as a woman of character, strength, intellect, talent and charm. Throughout her battle with ALS, Carol continued to live her life with dignity and grace, never allowing the disease to diminish her zest for life. In doing so, she will continue to inspire those she has left behind.
Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at the WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, 100 Center Ave., Aspinwall, where a parting prayer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, followed at 10 a.m. by a Christian Funeral Mass in St. Scholastica Church, Aspinwall.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests a memorial contribution to www.alskids.com or The ALS Association of Western PA, 416 Lincoln Ave. Millvale, PA 15209, in honor of Carol's Crew.