Shirley Jean Shaughnessy

Shirley Jean Christiansen Shaughnessy, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at the age of 97. She was born in Tacoma, WA on January 4, 1928, to Olga Rygg and Olaf Christiansen. She had two older brothers, Wayne and Marvin.

Shirley lost her mom to tuberculosis when she was three years old. Her biggest sadness in life was never knowing her mom and having a mother daughter relationship. After her mother's passing, she was raised primarily by her grandfather Enock Rygg and Auntie Vi until grade school. At that time, her older brothers, dad, and various relatives pitched in to take care of her.

She grew up in Tacoma and met Jack Shaughnessy in 1947 at King Skating Rink. He was in his Navy uniform. She thought he was really cute. When Ladies Choice was announced, she asked him to skate. Jack thought she had beautiful legs. The rest is history. They were married on September 10, 1949, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA. They had the opportunity to travel while Jack pursued his career as a Geologist in WA, WY, CO, UT, NM, AK and TX. Jack passed April 23, 2016. They were married 66 years.

While living in Amarillo for 47 years, Shirley was a member of the Panhandle Geological Society Auxiliary. She filled every office, some multiple times. Once her second great grandbaby was born, she decided to move to an assisted living in Chandler, AZ to be closer to family. She made new friends there and loved joining them in the Dining Room or Bistro for meals and dessert. Shirley never met a dessert she didn't like. And she was quite lucky when it came to playing games.

Even though she worked intermittently as a secretary for title companies and insurance adjusters, her true love was raising three children: Kurt, Kim and Kelly. She was a loving, caring and supportive mother. Her daughter-in laws, son-in-law, grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews received that same benefit. Shirley was a friend to everyone she met. She loved to laugh and smile. Before macular degeneration and strokes impacted her sight, she loved embroidering on pillowcases, playing volleyball, reading autobiographies, and writing notes to family and friends, as well as traveling by car or airplanes within the USA, Europe, and Africa. She loved adventures.

Jack was a licensed pilot. Shirley and Jack took many trips together in their airplane. The kids would always asked their mom, "What are you going to do if dad has a heart attack?" She would always respond, "I guess I will die with him." One day, Kelly called to tell his parents they would soon be grandparents. Shirley immediately signed up for the next ground school session, was the oldest student, achieved the highest score in the class, and took flying lessons. Nothing would stand in her way to spend time with her family.

She will be remembered for her loving and kind mannerisms, hugs, beautiful smile, strength, stubborn essence, independence, sense of humor, and nickname "Energizer Bunny"...the gift that kept giving. She will be missed but not forgotten. The joy and positivity she shared with others will hopefully have a long-lasting impact!

Shirley is survived by her children: Kurt (Tamara), Kim (Jim) Allan, and Kelly (Rachelle) O'Shaughnessy; Grandchildren Tyren (Jimmy) Barker, Bronson, and Connor (Rosemarie); Great-Grandchildren: Brooklyn Barker, Connor Jr. (CJ) and Jameson Shaughnessy; Sister-in-law Barbara Christiansen; and multiple generations of nieces and nephews.

A memorial and burial service will be held in her honor on April 5, 2025 at Calvary Cemetery in the chapel in Tacoma, WA: viewing 10:30; service 11:00; and burial to follow.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley's memory can be made to the American Foundation of the Blind or American Lung Association.