Mary Agnes (“Swede”) Tushaus Shaughnessy, a 50-year resident of Westport, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, in Stamford, CT, just two days after celebrating her 95th birthday surrounded by family. 

Born on November 22, 1929, in Kellogg, MN, she was one of ten children of Herman and Agnes (Schlundt) Tushaus. Raised on the family farm during the Great Depression, Mary’s early life experiences cultivated her irrepressible spirit, love of family, and deep faith in God – virtues she carried throughout her life.

During her high school years, Mary was crowned Homecoming Queen at Rochester High School, a title that sparked some friendly rivalry, as she remained a proud Lake City girl throughout her life. She put herself through college by working in the Medical Library and Eye Clinic at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, where she gained a lifelong appreciation for service and a love for the Life Sciences.

Mary graduated from the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in Education. She devoted much of her professional life to teaching PE and Health at Minnetonka High School where she taught archery, square dancing and every athletic sport in between.  Her passion for health and fitness was passed on to her students, making a lasting impact on their lives.

In 1958, Mary married the love of her life, Tom Shaughnessy, whom she met in St. Paul, MN. Their 60-year marriage was a testament to the strength of their bond, until Tom’s passing in 2018.  Together, they raised six children, and their family was always at the center of Mary’s heart. She created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.  All were welcome in the Shaughnessy household.

Mary was deeply committed to the Westport, CT community.  She was an active member of the Church of Assumption, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and supported Westport Athletics, where she was the only female coach of Westport’s inaugural co-ed softball league.  Mary’s enthusiasm for athletics continued even throughout her later years when she would teach her grandchildren (really, anyone she met) how to dance the Lindy Hop or demonstrate the “proper” way to do calisthenics. 

Mary is survived by her siblings, Margaret “Mugs” Tushaus, Donna Mae Stock, and Eugene “Bud” Tushaus. She is also survived by her six children and their spouses: Tom (River Forest, IL), Mary Kay (Stamford, CT), Elizabeth (Nashville, TN), Peggy (Lake Geneva, WI), Patrick (Redwood City, CA), and John (Coral Gables, FL), as well as eleven cherished grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy.

Mary’s energy and legacy of kindness, strength, love, and deep faith will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption in Westport, CT, on Saturday, August 9^th, at 10am.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Thomas F. ’46 and Mary A. Shaughnessy Scholarship Endowment Fund at Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul, MN.