Jean May Shaughnessy

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Washington High School Marquette University

Jean Shaughnessy Obituary

Shaughnessy, Jean May (Nee Zautcke) Peacefully passed into Eternal Life on Sunday, August 27, 2006 in Baraboo, WI where she was lovingly cared for by her daughters, Mary and Kate, and her granddaughter Sarah. Born in Milwaukee, WI on May 11, 1923, she was the oldest child of Alvin and Elizabeth Zautcke. She graduated from Washington High School and was a Magna-Cum-Laude of Marquette University. Jean taught in Grafton and at Milwaukee Roosevelt High School until devoting herself to her family. In 1991, she earned her MA at St. Edwards University and taught all-day kindergarten at Oakhill Elementary School in Austin, Texas. After retiring at age 76, Jean moved back to Milwaukee to be closer to her family and life-long friends. Jean was the loving mother Bill (Heidi) Shaughnessy of Rochester, MN, Mary Shaughnessy of Corvallis, OR, Ann (Bob) Ibler of Maple Plain, MN, Kate (Rick) Livingston of Baraboo, WI and Meg (Doug Mainwaring) Shaughnessy of Blodgett, OR. She was known as "Granny" to Mike, Jenny, Erin, Robo, David, Sarah, Matthew, Catherine, Eliza, Zach, Ella and Finn. Devoted "Aunt Jean" to her sisters-in-law and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is further survived by many caring relatives and cherished friends. Jean was preceded in death by her treasured brothers, William and Alvin. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 31, 2006 after 9:30 AM at St. Robert Catholic Church (corner of N. Farwell and E. Capitol) followed by a Memorial Mass at 10 AM. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Christ Child Society, 4033 W. Good Hope Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53209 or the Shorewood Senior Resource Center, 2010 E. Shorewood Blvd., Shorewood, WI 53211, appreciated. Everyone who knew Jean will remember her enthusiasm for life and teaching and her love of God and children. Her humor and kindness will be deeply missed. FEERICK FUNERAL HOME 414-962-8383

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Aug. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Shaughnessy

7 Entries

Joyce Engel Knowles

September 12, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you on the passing of your mother. I will never forget the kindness your mother expressed toward my family, especially in times of sorrow. She was a wonderful friend to my mother. Mom always enjoyed when your mother could come visit. I have many fond memories of your mom as Mary's and my Girl Scout leader. She was an excellent role model of what women can be: devoted to family, friends, and the community, kind, gentle, giving, devout, and bright. I am very grateful to have had her in my life.

Andy Haig

September 2, 2006

Dear Shaughnessy's,

Along with a few hundred other kids who went through Nicolet High School in the 1970's, I can only have happy memories of your mom. She seemed to always be there when the swim team kids were concerned. Always organizing, cheering us on, and consoling when we failed. Our social lives revolved around the Haig-Shaughnessy-Schey households, and I recall eating more than anyone would consider my fair share of your mom's cooking. It's funny how I can only see your mom in the role I knew her best--as a swim mom. A real lesson in life is the second (third? ) highly successful and much beloved life as kindergarden teacher. No surprise there--just a realization that great, wonderful, caring people like your mom are seen as such by anyone who has been in contact with them.

Sorry that I could not be in Milwaukee for the funeral, but my thoughts are with all of you.

Andy

Laurie Haig

September 2, 2006

The memorial service for Jean had me reliving all the years of the close-knit community of Nicolet High School swimmers in the 1970s, with the Shaughnessy family in the thick of it. Jean had the timettes selling and baking cranberry breads as fundraisers.The "sloppy Joes recipe for 100 people" was invaluable as there was always a mob of starving swimmers to feed. We learned how to organize and get things to happen from Jean's wisdom and experience.

Chuck Walters

September 1, 2006

Dear Bill, Mary, Ann, Kate, and Meg,

Seeing all of you brought back so many wonderful memories. Your mom was one of the best. I still use her receipe for dressing and each time I make it I think of her and all of you.

Please keep in touch.

Chuck Walters

Maddy with Mrs. Shaughnessy, May 1998

Gina Womack

August 31, 2006

My daughter, Maddy Womack, was one of Jean's Kindergarten students at Oak Hill Elementary in Austin, Texas. That was nine years ago, and to this day, I am convinced that "all we need to know in life we learned in Kindergarten" -- as long as our teacher was Mrs. Shaughnessy.

In addition to being Maddy's teacher, Jean became a beloved member of our family. She always attended our Memorial Weekend Picnics and our birthday parties. She even made an appearance at a dance recital or two. I was amazed at how she remembered the names of each of Maddy's grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Even after Jean moved back to Milwaukee, she continued to send Maddy a birthday card every year. We always looked forward to hearing from her. She called us her Texas family.

Jean's love of life and learning were her gifts to us all. We will always cherish her memory and the lessons she taught us.

Kathryn Buys

August 31, 2006

We send our sympathies to all of you and thoughts of your mom. My now 21 year old son, Collin, was in one of her first kindergarten class--I believe the very first, at Oak Hill Elementary. He had a wonderful year with her as a guide! She was always so positive and fun, yet taught boundries, kindness, and responsibility. Collin could be a toughy sometimes, as he was a bit scared to start school; we praised her many times for her patience and perspective. Through the years she always remembered Collin by name and things about him, as I am sure she did many children in her care! I treasure what Collin learned from her--he's a great young man about to graduate from college. We enjoyed knowing her both at school and in the St Catherine community. She was a wonderful person who is missed my many!

Yours, Kathryn Buys

Judy Holcomb

August 30, 2006

My Mother, Alice Gallett, was a friend of Jean's through the Shorewood Senior Center. Jean was a wonderful kind lady who everyone loved. Jean came to my sweet dear Mother's funeral last September. My Mother was a remarkable lady too and lived to age 97. She also was a teacher all her life and loved children and loved her family. My hope is that they will be joined in friendship again in Heaven. All my love and blessings to Jean's entire family.

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