Kathleen A. Shanahan

Kay Shanahan, (Kathleen Anna Shanahan, nee Deasy), passed peacefully while listening to the Fields of Athenry, and family by her side on April 18, 2024, at the Parker Nursing Home.

In 1957 Kay left Cork, Ireland to join her husband John who was forging a new beginning for them in New Jersey.   With an unwavering work ethic and the warmth of Irish hospitality, Kay arrived in the U.S. on the SS America, embracing their first-born child in her arms.

After years of work, Kay and John purchased a building on Main Street in Milltown, NJ and began the S&S Bake Shop. Kay managed the front store along with daughter Siobhan, (once she was able to see over the counter) while John worked tirelessly with their sons’ baking breads, cakes, and pastries.

Irish music and poetry held a special place in Kay’s heart. She found joy in the verses of her favorites from childhood and would sing a song or recite a poem at a moment’s notice, enchanting all around her.

As a working mother, she raised five remarkable children, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, perseverance, and a love for laughter.

Memories of her childhood and family in Ireland provided solace to Kay amidst the struggles of life in the U.S. "The Quiet Man," the grace of Doris Day's films, and the comfort of Barry's tea transported her back to the land she held dear, her heart forever rooted in its soil and the family she never stopped missing.

Kay leaves behind a legacy of resilience. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate her remarkable journey in a life that took unrelenting courage and faith. Her honesty, her spontaneity, and the beauty and spirit that shown through her sparkling blue eyes leave an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Kay is predeceased by her husband John J. Shanahan (d. 2020), her parents Paudrig and Kathleen Deasy, and her siblings in Ireland Noreen Hartnett, Paddy Deasy and May Downey.

Surviving are her five children, Colm Shanahan (Dawn) of Hamilton Twp., Tony Shanahan (Gabrielle) of Highland Park, Owen Shanahan of Milltown, Keirin Shanahan (Susan) of Davie Florida, and Siobhan Brady of Princeton; her beloved grandchildren Mallory, Tadhg, John, Jane, and Ann; and her great grandson Bear; her sister Loretta Leahy and brother Miceal Deasy, both of Ireland.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd, 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, North Main Street, Milltown.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Doris Day Animal Foundation, www.dorisdayanimalfoundation.org .  Arrangements are by The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St.-at Riva Avenue, Milltown 08850.  You may sign the online condolence.