Jane L. (Hansen) Shaughnessy

GREENFIELD, MA – Jane L. Shaughnessy, 96, of Greenfield, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility.

Born in Queens Village, NY, on February 13, 1929, to Dr. Harry B. Hansen and Signey Anderson Hansen, Jane was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School and Adelphi University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Her first job after graduation was as a representative of the Gerber Baby Foods company. Upon her marriage to Richard Shaughnessy in 1951 she moved to East Setauket, Long Island, NY, where they raised their three children and enjoyed many beautiful summers on the beaches of Long Island Sound.

After many years as a stay-at-home Mom, Jane began a career as a library paraprofessional in the Three Village Central School District, retiring in 1992. In her spare time she volunteered at the Emma S. Clark Public Library and was an active member of Caroline Episcopal Church. After already being an accomplished sewer, she learned how to quilt with friends and created many quilted treasures over the years that will endure as family heirlooms.

Jane moved to Greenfield in 1996 to be closer to family and devote time to her two young grandchildren. Here she pursued her lifelong love of books and libraries as a Greenfield Public Library volunteer. She was also an active member of Second Congregational Church and sewed many baby quilts for the Baystate Franklin Medical Center, through the church’s layette ministry for new mothers.

Especially joyous and meaningful to her were the many family holiday gatherings at her home on Warner Street. In her long retirement she read her books, tended her gardens, sewed her quilts, and was ever available with her listening ear, her sage advice, her special recipes, and jumping to help anyone at a moment’s notice in her quiet and steadfast way. Jane had a selfless and accepting nature and a great sense of humor, and she will be lovingly remembered for the many lives she touched.

Jane is survived by her son Richard of Newton, Massachusetts, daughter Janet Priscantelli (John) of Chappaqua, New York, daughter Gail Tease (Bruce) of Greenfield, and grandchildren Rook and Kat Tease, and

Kristiana Priscantelli. She was predeceased by her brother, Harry Hansen, of Long Island.

For the past three years, Jane was a resident of the Charlene Manor memory care unit. Her family is grateful for the compassionate care she received there, and for the devoted and loving care she received from her long-time friend and health aide Donna Grover.

A memorial service will be held at Second Congregational Church, Greenfield, on Thursday, June 19th, at 2:00 pm. For those who would like to make a donation in Jane’s memory, please consider the Greenfield Public Library or Second Congregational Church.

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