Needham – Margaret E. (Cauley) “Meg” Shannon, 95, of Needham passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 1, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late George M. Shannon, Jr. with whom she shared 43 years of marriage.
Meg is survived by her son George M. Shannon III and his wife Eileen of Fairfield, CT.; her daughter Elizabeth M. Langley and her husband Robert of Peabody, MA; her daughter Laura S. DeMaio and her husband Patrick of Needham, MA. She is also survived by her sister Alma Fredey of Needham, her sister-in-law Mary Gail Cauley of Orlando, FL, and her beloved grandchildren: Colleen and Katie Shannon, Andrew and James Langley, and Stephen and Angela DeMaio. She was pre-deceased by her brother Edward T. Cauley.
Born in Brookline, MA on June 1, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Alma (McKenna) Cauley. Meg graduated from Notre Dame Academy of Boston and Plymouth Teachers College in Plymouth, NH. She completed graduate studies at both Harvard University and Boston University. She taught elementary school in the Waltham Public Schools, and in Bethpage Long Island.
A woman of deep faith, Meg was active in her parish community at St. Joseph’s Church in Needham, where she served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Parish Council. She was also very engaged in her community, serving as president of the Kalmia Garden Club, a board member of the Needham Garden Club, and president of the Needham Postcomer’s Club. She was a member of the Ace of Clubs, Needham Pool and Racquet Club, and shared her musical talents as pianist for the Retired Men’s Club. Meg was also an avid and accomplished bridge player.
Family was the source of Meg’s greatest joy and pride. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend. A talented knitter, she made Christmas stockings for every family member, and for the grandchildren of her many friends. She and her husband traveled extensively, embraced life with humor, and cherished time spent with loved ones. Her strong faith and resilient spirit sustained her through physical challenges in later years, serving as an inspiration to all who knew her.
The Shannon family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated health aides who cared for Meg with compassion and professionalism in her final years.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 8:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass in Saint Joseph’s Church; 1382 Highland Avenue; Needham, MA at 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Needham.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Meg’s memory to the Perkins School for the Blind; 175 N Beacon Street; Watertown, MA or to the CatholicTV Network; P.O. Box 9196; Watertown, MA 02471.