R. Veronica Shaughnessy

R. Veronica “Vonnye” Shaughnessy was born May 19, 1944 to Clifford and Rosalie Prettyman in Baltimore, MD. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Cherry Hills Village, CO in 1957. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy in Malvern, PA in 1961. Vonnye graduated as a Registered Nurse from Fitzgerald Mercy School of Nursing in Darby, PA in 1965, first serving in the Emergency Room of the same hospital. She later focused her career as a private duty nurse to an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in complicated pediatric orthopedic surgery. Vonnye continued her nursing career in that field at the A.I. DuPont Institute in Wilmington, DE and at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, VA.

Vonnye married William “Bill” Shaughnessy on August 18th, 1973 sharing almost 52 years of married life together. They made their home first in Wilmington and Hockessin, DE, and later in Midlothian, VA. Vonnye’s first and greatest love was always her family. She was the mother of four children, Erin Stoner, Michael Shaughnessy, Brian Shaughnessy, and Lauren Shaughnessy, DVM. Vonnye also took tremendous pride in her 11 grandchildren.

In addition to her love of her family, Vonnye had a wonderful affection for all creatures great and small- especially horses, several dogs and cats who were beloved family pets, and the many birds, deer and squirrels who considered Vonnye’s backyard their personal gourmet Salad Bar. Her legacy of love will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and cherished her.

A Requiem Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 8901 Winterpock Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Interment will be at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Gabriel Catholic Church.