Carolyn S. (Shanks) Shannon, age 86, a longtime resident of Winchester, passed away on December 7, 2025. She was the beloved wife for 25 years of Robert J. Shannon, until his death in 2000.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Donald L. and Sue (Bailey) Shanks. She was raised and educated in Abington, MA where she was a 3-sport athlete (basketball, field hockey and softball) and valedictorian of her graduating class at Abington High School. She attended Wells College in Aurora, NY on a full academic scholarship.
Carolyn spent the majority of her career working in research at Tufts New England Medical Center. In her spare time, she enjoyed world travel, puzzles, crossword puzzles and watching New England sports. Known for her well-rounded intellect, she also enjoyed art and literature and engaging conversations on such.
Carolyn is lovingly survived by her sons: William J. Shannon and his wife Melissa, and Mark D. Shannon and his fiancé Wanida Bunchan, both of Winchester. She was the devoted grandmother of Brooke, Ashley and Robert Shannon, Tosh and Isis Shannon. She was also the dear sister of Nancy Corbett of Stoughton, MA and is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a Memorial Visitation at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Monday, December 15, from 11AM -1PM. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.