Alice May Shaughnessy, 77, of Seven Lakes West, passed away on February 9, 2018

at the First Health Hospice House after a hard-fought, two year battle with multiple myeloma and leukemia. There are not enough words to thank Dr. Batala , his nurse Sue Gribbon and all the wonderful nurses and staff at First Health Cancer Center and at First Health Hospice House. 

Alice’s family would like to invite family and friends to join them at the Chapel in the Pines, 2125 Seven Lakes South, Seven Lakes, North Carolina on February 18th at 3 pm for a service and reception immediately after. 

Reverend Paul James will be officiating.  A reception to share memories of Alice will also be held from 2-4pm at Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Thompson Ridge, NY on April 15th.

Alice was born to Harold and May Gridley on July 3rd, 1940 in St Albans, Queens.  She grew up in Merrick, New York and  graduated from Mepham High School in Bellmore, NY.  She attended Cortland State Teachers College (SUNY Cortland) and graduated in 1962.  While at Cortland, she met the love of her life, John Shaughnessy and they were married in August 1962.  They shared a love few are lucky to find. 

She taught kindergarten before becoming the Director of the Presbyterian Nursery School in Thompson Ridge, NY in the early 70’s. She was the director for 15 years before returning to the kindergarten classroom in the Pine Bush Central School District. She retired in 1999. John and Alice moved to Seven Lakes, North Carolina where they’ve lived for the last twenty years. 

Alice and John have two children, Jack and Kristen, and four granddaughters they adore  – Jamie Bush, Ryann Shaughnessy, Kara Bush and Jenna Shaughnessy. Alice would tell you her brother, Peter Gridley, was the best brother anyone could ask for and she loved his wife Charlene Gridley. She was also extremely loved by her daughter-in-law Melissa Shaughnessy and son-in-law Joe Bush, her sisters and brothers in law Susie Smith, Martha Birney and Peter Shaughnessy. There are much-loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews too numerous to list by name. 

Alice loved her gardens and spent hours planting, transplanting and enjoying their beauty.   She was an active member and volunteer at the Chapel in The Pines, and also worked as a literacy volunteer. She enjoyed playing golf, loved the women in her quilt bee and her mahjong group. 

This spring, please celebrate Alice’s life by enjoying the beauty of the flowers you see by the side of the road or in a garden. 

Donations in memory of Alice can be made to The Chapel in the Pines at 2125 Seven Lakes South, Seven Lakes, North Carolina 27376 or the Moore County Literacy Program at 575 SE Broad Street #10, Southern Pines, NC 28387. 

Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com

Boles Funeral Home is serving the family.

Mrs. Shaughnessy’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.