Dawn Frances MacDougall Shannon

Dawn Frances MacDougall Shannon
November 21,1932- February 13, 2026

Dawn Shannon, 93, of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away on February 13, 2026.

Born in Newton, MA to Colin and Blanche Biron MacDougall, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert J. Shannon (deceased 2002). Dawn's long term residence was in her beloved home of Shrewsbury where she resided for over 60 years.

Dawn is survived by her four children: Stacey (Brian O'Rourke) and their children Colin (predeceased), Devin, and Angus, Laurel (Mitchell Urda) and their children Danica and Nicholas, Robert (Amy Shannon) and children Courtney and Taylor, Theodore (Mary Shannon) and their children Joe, Will, and Eliza. Dawn had four great grandchildren, Lily O'Rourke, Lumin and Maple Peron and Leon Walker. Dawn also leaves her two sisters Sandy Sullivan and Laurie Cronin, and eight nieces and nephews, along with her cousin Bobby MacDougall (Lorraine).

Dawn was a vibrant, active, independent woman. She enjoyed skiing, sailing, golfing, tennis, horseback riding, cross country skiing, traveling, and so much more. Dawn spent countless hours as a member on various committees. She was a Shrewsbury Town Council member for many years, volunteered at the voting polls in town for over 30 years, and also did volunteer work at the Shrewsbury public library. She was involved in countless Women's clubs, a democratic party member who won a lifetime achievement award, was the President of ARC for a number of years, served on several boards working with Shrewsbury PTAs, high school athletic award committees, and treasured her time working at Ward Hill ski area. She also volunteered with the Shrewsbury Garden Club, and played in bridge and bunco groups and loved them all equally.

Dawn's long career with Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation afforded her many life long friendships, and her responsibilities contributed greatly to the town's continued success. A bench in Dean Park was even dedicated to her work for her significant role in the lives of so many she touched. 'Go sit and contemplate for a while. It's in a beautiful spot.' She loved to run around town to unlock the schools for evening programs, ran and refereed men's softball games, and loved her summer playground programs at many town owned facilities. July 4th games and family fun at Dean Park, organized and executed by Dawn, was a yearly point of pride for her. Accompanying her in Shrewsbury meant stopping to talk to a significant number of people, all who clearly loved her as much as she loved them. She retired at 69 years old.

Her laugh and smile lit up any room. She loved the beach, reading, talking, and learning. She loved traveling to Scotland, particularly Obin and the MacDougall castle. She was certainly a world traveler accompanied by many friends and family members. She traveled to Russia, China, Egypt, Italy, Canada, and many states of our nation, frequenting Florida and Maine. Dawn loved her home state of Massachusetts. Born here, she certainly maintained the accent we all know so well. "Paaks and Recreation, ca- keys, nhapken, aggs, of cous" in translation: car keys, napkins, eggs, and of course.

Saint Mary's was always her safe place and her refuge, and she attended several masses a week. Her life will be celebrated at Saint Mary's Church in Shrewsbury, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11 A.M. and in lieu of flowers her wishes were to donate to:

Paralyzed Veterans of America
Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Following the service arrangements have been made at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, Boylston.