Doris M. (Sutherland) Shaughnessy

Doris M. (Sutherland) Shaughnessy, of Waltham, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, following a period of declining health. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was 96 years old.

Born in Somerville on July 29, 1927, Doris was the daughter of the late Chester and Mary (Kelly) Sutherland. She was raised and educated in Watertown, graduating from St. Patrick’s High School. Following high school, she was employed for several years by New England Telephone as a switchboard operator, prior to marriage and raising a family.

On May 30, 1950, she married the love of her life and best friend, former Waltham Mayor Paul V. Shaughnessy, Sr., in Saint Patrick’s Church in Watertown, and the pair settled in Waltham to raise their family of eight children. 

Doris and Paul enjoyed many travels over the years to a variety of destinations such as Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, and Israel. Their most important travels were on their pilgrimages to many religious sites, including Lourdes, Fatima, Garabandel, Medjugore, the Vatican and Jerusalem. In their senior years, they also took many trips and cruises to sunny destinations including Florida and the Caribbean.

Doris had a witty and outgoing personality with a remarkable ability to connect with others. She enjoyed engaging in conversations with friends, old and new. Everywhere she went, Doris would either make a new friend or run into old ones. Her keen sense of style earned her home the endearing nickname "Gegee's Boutique" by her daughters—showcasing her meticulous approach to fashion.

Above all else, Doris held deep devotion to her Faith and Family. She was a devout parishioner of St. Mary’s Church of Waltham and St. Ann’s by the Sea in Marshfield for many years. Doris’ faith gave her the strength and wisdom to be a wonderful mother to her eight children. Her role as a mother and matriarch was an invaluable asset to her family, providing unwavering support and love that will be treasured forever. Nothing in the world made her happier than the company of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and she made sure they knew how much she loved them.

Doris is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Paul, son Brian M. Shaughnessy, great-grandson Zachary, and siblings Joseph, Robert and Richard Sutherland, and Rita Farrell.

She leaves her children, Patricia Whalen of Framingham, Paul V. Shaughnessy, Jr. (JoAnn) of Norwood, Robert  Shaughnessy (Judith) of Marshfield, Richard Shaughnessy (Stephanie) of Hull, Andrea Elliott (Richard) of Rockland, Janet Nelson (George) of Waltham and Marybeth Newell (John) of Waltham; her daughter-in-law Donna Wade; her nineteen grandchildren; her nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Doris’ life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Sunday April 21st from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery.