Alwina Elizabeth Shaughnessy

Alvina Shaughnessy (Kunze, Warpe), 98, passed away peacefully in Tampa, Florida. Born on October 21, 1926, to Frank and Hermine Kunze in Ferndale Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, Alvina lived a life filled with adventure, resilience, and love. A proud alumna of Michigan State University, she began her career at the Edison Company before joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1954. Her service took her to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she met and married Per Warpe, a Norwegian agricultural entrepreneur. Together, they had two children, Anna and Per, and built a life full of joy and international connection until Per’s untimely passing in 1965.

After her husband’s death, Alvina remained in Brazil for a time, working as an executive assistant at Price Waterhouse and to Sir Michael Colman of Colman’s Mustard. In 1969, she returned to the United States, raising her children as a single mother in South Tampa while also caring for her aging parents, Frank and Hermine. Known for her warmth and hospitality, Alvina spent 55 years in Tampa, creating a home filled with laughter, exquisite meals, and unforgettable gatherings. Alvina was married to William Shaughnessy from 1971 until his passing in 1988. William had two children by another marriage, Robert and Mary Alice (deceased). Alvina was a devoted mother, a doting grandmother to Peter and Alex Lillian, and a cherished friend to many.

Alvina’s legacy as a nurturing and steadfast figure will be remembered by all who knew her. She is survived by her children, Anna Warpe-Lillian (husband Gary Lillian) and Per Warpe (fiance/partner Cathy Starnes), stepson, Robert Shaughnessy, and grandchildren, Peter Lillian and Francis ‘Alex’ Lillian.

Alvina’s strength and tenacity were evident in her ability to overcome life’s challenges, including surviving both cancer and COVID. Her infectious smile and joyous laughter touched everyone she met. She will be celebrated for her indomitable spirit and the love she showered on her family and community. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 501 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, on January 22, at 12:00 PM. Alvina will forever be remembered as a beacon of love, courage, and grace.

In lieu of flowers, the next of kin requests that donations be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran or the Humane Society of Tampa.