Lawrence "Larry" O'Shaughnessy

O’Shaughnessy, Lawrence M. (Larry)

 

Age 96, passed away peacefully December 3, 2017.  A lifelong St. Paul resident, Larry was born on January 20, 1921. He attended St. Mark’s grade school and St. Thomas Academy, and graduated in 1944 from Yale University with a degree in English Literature.  He is survived by

his wife Bonnie (nee Carlson), stepson Brandon Kempf, his wife Crystal and their daughter Avery.  He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Beatson, with whom he had 6 children—Lael, 1946-1971 (George Richards), Eileen (Art Perlman), Terry (Ultan Duggan), Molly (Michael Monahan), Larry Jr. (Sue Gist) and Jim (Melissa Walker), Larry had ten grandchildren—Brian, Heather, Rory, Jesse, Christine, Ryan, Connor, Patrick, Kate, and Lael—and eleven great grandchildren—Finn, Lucia, Clio, Eleri, Mira, Saya, Beatrix, Liam (2009), Oliver, Lael, Pierce and Maeve.

Larry’s love, and writing, of poetry say much about who he was and what he did in his life.  The pursuit of truth and beauty, and the life of the mind led him on a path both to an understanding of the human experience, and to actively attempting to improve that experience.  Larry believed he was fortunate, not only to be able to devote his resources, but also his time to this endeavor.  He worked with many civic and cultural organizations on a wide range of issues—from poverty and housing, to legal reform and ethical business practices, to ecumenical research and Irish studies, including establishing an annual award for Irish poetry.

Larry strongly believed in the role of education as a force in bettering people’s lives, and in the evolution of human society.  A lifelong scholar, he generously gave of himself in support of many educational institutions. Larry was also an educator, teaching philosophy to junior high students for many years.  He was particularly passionate about the unique value of Montessori education, creating a firm foundation for learning in the lives of young children.  He was instrumental in bringing Montessori education to Minnesota and did much to foster its growth in the region.

Larry contributed much, and will be much missed by many whose lives he touched.  Special thanks to his caregivers Linda Sue Harms, Joy Isakson and Leslie Rohlf, and to the staff at the Pillars Hospice Home for their loving care of Larry. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM, Saturday, Dec. 9, at The Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas (2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, intersection of Cleveland and Laurel Aves). Visitation 4-8PM, Friday, Dec. 8, at O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home (575 Snelling Ave S., St. Paul, 651-698-0796). Interment, Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial gifts preferred to Christ’s Household of Faith School for the education of young children, 355 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.