Isabel Shaughnessy

What a legacy Mrs Shaugnessy leaves. She has touched the Iives of so many families. I feel so blessed that our families crossed paths many years ago and will always treasure memories of her and Kiddie Haven.

In September, 1973, my husband and I moved with our 3 year old child to Winter Park. I was pregnant with a child due in February. I knew no one in the area. I ran into Mrs. Shaughnessy in the grocery store (where Walgreens is now located) and she welcomed me and offered to watch our daughter while I went to the obstetrician's office. It was not a business deal. In fact, she refused to charge me. She always practiced the 10 commandments and truly loved her neighbors. From children in...

My mother wanted me to share a story. When I was 4 and attending Kiddie Haven, my father died suddenly. My mom was 25 and worked at the Winter Park Phone Company. She couldn't afford daycare and Mrs Shaughnessy told her not to worry about it; that she could not call herself a Christian if she didn't help.

My mother paid her back when she was able because she felt like it was the right thing to do, but she knew that Mrs Shaughnessy didn't expect anything in return for her kindness.

I have such fond memories of going to Kiddie Haven back in the late 70s. I brought my own girls to Mrs Shaughnessy for pre-school and after school and it was so comforting to bring my girls to a place full of love and creativity. It really was like taking the girls to grandma's house.

Mrs Shaughnessy always cared about what was going on in your life, what you needed, and if she could help. She will be forever remembered and missed dearly.

Our family was so fortunate that both of our sons were enrolled at Kiddie Haven from Preschool through Elementary after school programs. Mrs. S and Shelley provided the most loving environment and are part of the village that made our sons into the wonderful men they are today. The boys have long requested Mrs. S's Beef-a-Roni. I did learn how to make her salad dressing and famous PB&J, which they requested many times. Mrs. S truly "raised" so many children with great "old-fashioned" manners...

When I was looking for a day care for my granddaughter, someone recommended Kiddie Haven. The moment I walked in the door I knew this was the place. Kiddie Haven became a home away from home. Ms. Shaughnessy made it that way. She was loved by the children in her care as well as the parents. She will be missed but heaven gained an angel and she is watching over the kids at Kiddie Haven.

We will miss her dearly. What a wonderful person. I've known her for the last 12 years of my life. She and Ms. Shelly have helped us raise our children. Sometimes I'd go pick up the kids and stay talking with her for an hour instead of going home. It was such a pleasure to hear her stories about growing up in Puerto Rico and many other life lessons. She made my life and that of my children better and I can never repay her or the Kiddie Haven family all that they did for us.

When my...

Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Ms. Shaughnessy will forever be in our hearts. Her magical smile and sweet words will always be remembered. We love you!!!!