OBITUARY

Carolyn D. Damp Shannon

December 4, 1930 – March 16, 2013
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Carolyn D. Shannon passed away on Saturday, March 16th at Salem Hospital, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. Mrs. Shannon, a resident of Marblehead since 1955, was married for 48 years to her beloved husband, Dr. James M. Shannon, who predeceased her in 2003. Carolyn Patricia Damp, 82, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the only child of Frances (Pope) and Ralph E. Damp. She spent her childhood in Oklahoma and Illinois, where her father was a chemical engineer with Standard Oil. She enjoyed traveling the country with her parents, especially touring the National Parks, and fly-fishing with her father in Colorado. She moved with her parents to Havana, Cuba in 1943, where she attended Ruston Academy. Later, the family settled in New York City where Carolyn graduated from The Spence School. She attended Sweetbriar College in Virginia, and Barnard College in NYC, where she studied English. She was a graduate of Tobe’-Coburn School in NYC, and was a fashion merchandiser with Bonwit Teller, before working in radio with ABC studios in New York. Carolyn loved being the wife of a surgeon, with whom she raised four children. She was actively involved in charity events for Salem Hospital, and was a gracious hostess who enjoyed entertaining people from all over the world in her stately oceanside home. The doors were always open for friends and soon-to-be friends, including many surgical Residents who trained with her husband at Salem. Carolyn was an amazing cook who enjoyed learning and sharing new cuisines with her family. Dr. and Mrs. Shannon enjoyed traveling the world together, meeting people of all cultures, and inviting them to their home. Carolyn was an accomplished painter who studied under the late Marian Brown. She was an avid reader, and in her younger days, was a passionate gardener and flower arranger. Carolyn was a member of the Old North Church, The Winter Garden Club and a former member of the Marblehead Neck Association, Corinthian Yacht Club, and the Eastern Yacht Club. Predeceased by her eldest child, James Menzies Shannon, jr., she is survived by her children, Elizabeth and husband Kevin Weiss; Campbell and wife Cynthia Shannon; Melissa and husband George MacDonald; daughter in law, Ann Keane Shannon, and 13 grandchildren: Caroline, Victoria, and Nicholas Weiss, and Emily and Andy Salsky; Tay and Zara Shannon; Collin, Robert, and Farren Shannon; Grace and George MacDonald; and Treigh and Bevan Worrell Shannon. Also, nieces, nephews, and many who considered her a second mom. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 22nd from 6 to 8pm at Eustis & Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm St., Marblehead. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, 1pm, at the Old North Church, Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, tigercreek.org, or to the animal charity of your choice.

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Services

  • Memorial Service Saturday, March 23, 2013
  • Visitation Friday, March 22, 2013
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REMEMBERING

Carolyn D. Damp Shannon

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JoAnne Cook Staring

March 24, 2013

I met Carolyn in the 6th grade in Tulsa and we became lifelong friends. She was a super mother, a wonderful wife and a good, good friend. We traveled together to Africa in 1971 and it was the most memorable trip I ever made. Carolyn and I laughed the whole time. God bless her and her family. love, Jo Anne Staring

Virginia Shenkle

March 22, 2013

Carolyn and Jim were very special to me in Marblehead and in Maryland when I moved. We visited each others' homes and kept in touch by phone and email.
We were close friends for 53 years. Jim's advise added years to my beloved husband Phil Shenkle. Caroline was always there for me. We felt like sisters and often said this. I would be at her funeral if I was well. Love, Jinny Ericson Shenkle

John and Kay Morrell

March 21, 2013

Jimmy and Carolyn were such a loving couple and our treasured neighbors when we lived in Marblehead. We will always remember Carolyn as such a gracious friend and loving grandmother.

Sylvia Brandt

March 20, 2013

Extending deepest sympathy to the family and all of those whose lives were enriched by her. May you find peace as you celebrate her life.

My prayers are with you,
Sylvia

Stacy Johnson

March 20, 2013

I am deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Mrs. Shannon. Elizabeth is a dear friend so I share in her grief. My thoughts and prayers are with her and the family.

Cindy liming

March 19, 2013

I am so sorry for Elizabeth, Cam and Melissa. I know how they feel. I've always thought of Dr. and Mrs. Shannon as an extended family, many fond memories of the 4th of July clambakes. I know that she's with her loving husband and that they are playing tennis with my mom and dad.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Cindy Liming
Anchorage, Alaska

elaine bohner

March 19, 2013



I first met Carolyn when we were students together at Tobe'-Coburn in New York City, 61 years ago, It was the beginning of a long lasting friendship. We both raised our children in Marblehead, MA and spent many loving, fun times together. I will miss her. My loving thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

March 19, 2013

Melissa,George and family, So sorry to hear that Melissa lost her Mom. Please accept our condolences.You're all in our prayers .Love,The Leahy's

March 19, 2013

Melissa,George and family,So sorry to hear Melissa lost her Mom.Please accept our condolences.If there,s anything we can do in your time of need please let us know.

Barbara Schaye

March 18, 2013

It was lovely to see her enthusiasm for Garden Club...even to the end. We will all miss Carolyn.

IN THE CARE OF

Eustis & Cornell Funeral Home
Marblehead, MA
781-631-0076