Dr. Edward L. Shaughnessy

Dr. Edward L. Shaughnessy Dr. Edward L. Shaughnessy, the Edna Cooper Professor of English Literature emeritus at Butler University, passed away on January 22 after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet Maddox Shaughnessy, his daughters Margaret and Mary (Molly) Shaughnessy, and his sister Sister Regina Shaughnessy, S.P. Dr. Shaughnessy was predeceased by his son Kevin and daughter Katharine McManus. A lifelong Indianapolis resident, Dr. Shaughnessy was born in his family's home in Irvington. He graduated from Cathedral High School, studied at St. Meinrad College, and, after serving in the U.S. Army, earned a bachelor's degree in 1958 and a master's degree in 1963 from Butler University. He later earned a doctorate in English literature from Indiana University. During the years he taught at Butler, 1965-1992, Dr. Shaughnessy became one of the university's most popular and beloved professors. In 2001, he was awarded the Butler Service Medal, for which he received the following tribute: "Dr. Shaughnessy's commitment to Butler University has been unwavering. With his well-loved, gentle nature and quiet quest for academic achievement and artistic excellence, Dr. Shaughnessy personifies the spirit of Butler University." Dr. Shaughnessy also earned an international reputation for his scholarly study of playwright Eugene O'Neill. One of the founding members of the Eugene O'Neill Society, he wrote two books on O'Neill, Eugene O'Neill in Ireland: The Critical Reception and Down the Nights and Down the Days: Eugene O'Neill's Catholic Sensibility. After his retirement, Dr. Shaughnessy remained an active member of the Butler and St. Meinrad communities, keeping an office in the Irwin Library on Butler's campus and spending time each month at St. Meinrad. Of his continued involvement at both institutions, he once commented, "I'm happy to be a member of two communities. And, it keeps me off the streets." The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 27 at 2 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Center in Broad Ripple. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Meinrad Archabbey, 100 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577 or to Morrison Child and Family Services, 830 N.E. Holladay, Suite 125, Portland, Oregon 97232.