Joan Shanahan, of Weymouth, passed away on Friday, August 4th at the age of 76. Joan was born, and lived most of her life, in Weymouth. She graduated from Cardinal Strich College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1977, where she spent several years with the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, working with adults and children with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Upon returning to Weymouth in 1980, Joan continued advocating for individuals with special needs, and spent many years working as a teacher for the Pilgrim Area Collaborative.
Throughout her life, Joan was a dedicated volunteer for the Special Olympics organization, and was elected to the Massachusetts Special Olympics’ Hall of Fame. She loved Boston sports teams – especially the Red Sox. She was an active member of St. Albert the Great’s Parish community, and enjoyed visiting Disney World in Florida and Foxwoods.
Joan was the twin sister of the late Jean Navicky of East Weymouth and sister of the late William E. Shanahan. She is survived by an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Friends and relatives are invited to visiting hours on Friday August 11 from 8- to 10:30am in C. C. Shepherd Funeral Home located at 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) S. Weymouth followed by a funeral mass at St. Albert the Great Church in Weymouth at 11am. Interment will be in the Fairmount Cemetery in East Weymouth.
Donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Saint Albert the Great Church, 1130 Washington St., Weymouth, MA 02189-1932.