Lena Shanahan Print

Lena Shanahan

of Lowell, “Forever 39”



Pauline P. “Lena” (Fortuna) Shanahan, of Lowell, died Sunday, February 14th at Lowell General Hospital with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Daniel J. Shanahan who died in 1976.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Blazej J. and the late Katarzyna B. (Bugiel) Fortuna, she received her education in the Lowell school system.

Lena was employed at Honeywell Corporation in both locations Brighton, MA and Lawrence, MA before retiring.

Among her many interests, she loved playing bingo at St. Patrick School where she could meet up with all her Acre friends and enjoyed traveling to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. To her hairdressers and nails girls, she was affectionately known as “the Queen.”

Lena has proven her love, devotion and strength to her family while facing tragedies in her life, especially to her late son John who was disabled at an early age and with whom she visited on a daily basis for over 32 years until his death.

Lena is survived by three daughters Patricia Shanahan of Lowell, Laura Rowe and her husband Earl of Hampton, NH and Maureen Aubrey and her husband Frank of Lowell; four grandchildren Katherine Samson and her husband Chris of Wolfeboro, NH, Sean Shanahan and his companion Melanie Staples of Tewksbury, MA, Daniel J. Shanahan IV and his wife Lisa of Lowell and George Shanahan and his wife Heather of Burlington, MA; many great-grandchildren; a sister Josephine Batista of Pelham, NH; two daughters-in-law Jean Shanahan of Wolfeboro, NH and Ann Shanahan of Dracut, MA; a sister-n-law Mary Fortuna of Lowell; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also mother of the late Daniel J. Shanahan III, Thomas M. Shanahan and John Patrick Shanahan, sister of the late Blanche Reynolds, Stella Wojcik, Adam Fortuna and Walter Fortuna and dear friend of the late John “Jack” Martin.

Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 2 to 4 pm Sunday. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday morning at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in Lowell at 11:00 am. (All state-required social distancing procedures will be observed, including the wearing of masks upon entrance into the Funeral Home and the Church). Burial in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Lowell. E-condolences can be left at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

Condolences (7)
  • Marty Miraglia  - sympathy
    I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of you Mom. She was a wonderful women and tireless advocate who I grew to admire very much. Kevin and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Moe, Pat , Laura and your family. Love, Marty and Kevin Miraglia
  • Diana Gagnon  - deepest Sympathy
    Lena will be sorely missed by all who knew her. I will miss our yearly Christmas cards and notes looked forward to them. She always had a funny story and her laugh was contagious! I know she will entertain Mary once again they had alot of fun together thru the years. Our deepest sympathy to the family and yes she was always "39" Gary & Diana Gagnon
  • Barbara Richards  - friend
    I was deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Shanahan's passing. She was devoted to her son, John, and a tireless advocate for him as were Laura and Pat. She obviously taught her children well. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to her and her family. Barbara
  • Sue olson  - Condolences
    So sorry for the loss of your mom,she was a wonderful lady I came to love with your brother John.They were a big part of my life for a long time. Prayers for your family. Love Sue Olson
  • Cathy DeFabio (Ann's sister)
    My deepest sympathy to all of you. Lena was a hot ticket. Glad I got to know her. She was a strong woman who had a lot of tragedy in her life and somehow she was able to keep her sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
  • Jeanine Hartnett
    I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you,Pat and your family.My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
  • Brian & Janine  - Our Deepest Sympathy
    Brian and I want to offer our most sincere sympathy to you, Pat and to your whole family. I know how devastated you are and I’m sorry that we can’t be there in person to wrap our arms around you in comfort. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we’ll be there with you in spirit.
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