Jean F. Shanahan

Elizaville - Jean F. Shanahan, PHD, 48, passed away Friday, August 17, at her home in Elizaville surrounded by her family.

Jean is a graduate of Stissing Mountain High School and earned her BA degree in Geography from SUNY Albany, and Masters in Public Administration from Marist College. After being diagnosed with cancer Jean studied holistic nutrition and received her PHD from Clayton College. Jean's passion for learning and reading was never satisfied.

Jean began working for the Town of Poughkeepsie as a land use planner and has worked for the NYS Department of Transportation as an analyst since 1994. She has received numerous awards and promotions during her career.

In addition to her career Jean enjoyed a full life with her family and community. She is an active member of Christ Church, Red Hook, served on the town planning board; and was an active Toastmaster and club founder. Jean was recognized as YWCA Women of the Year, "Distinguished Toastmaster" in 2006, and as 2006 Engineer of the Year from the NYS Association of Transportation Engineers. Her love of nature kept her busy running and exercising even as she continued treatments for her illness.

Jean was born March 12, 1964 in Sharon, Ct., to Nancy (Joys) and the late Thomas Crown who passed away July 19, 2012.

Jean is survived by the family she loved dearly; her husband Michael F. Shanahan, whom she married December 15, 1984; her mother and step-father Nancy and Richard Westover of Dardanelle, AR; her step-mother Helen Crown; two sisters, Nancy and Philip Williams of Camden, NY, and Kathleen Crown of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by her step-brothers and sisters; Tim and Liz Brown, Richard and Michelle Westover, Allison and Ken Johnston, and Kim Kennedy, mother-in-law Ruth Mathewson; and brothers-in-law Donald and Brian Shanahan. Jean, or 'BeanBean' as he called her, was very close and will be dearly missed by her nephew Alex Williams; as well as Nicole (Eugene) Kolankowsky; Kat (Clint) Proper; Matthew Kennedy; Jack Johnston; Quinlan Westover; Abby Westover; Alex, Jeremy, Noah and Lilly Brown.

"I tried to enjoy my life and just accept the downs and live each day in spite of them, perhaps to spite them! Life was truly good. See you in heaven...." Jean.

Calling hours are Saturday, August 25, 10 AM to 1 PM, at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 7749 Route 82, Pine Plains. Funeral services are Saturday, 1:30 PM, at Christ Episcopal Church, 7423 S. Broadway, Red Hook. Interment will be private in the Livingston Cemetery, Livingston.

Memorial donations may be made for a scholarship to be established at the Pine Plains Highs School in Jean's memory. The scholarship will be awarded to a runner who is "not the fastest kid, or the smartest kid, but one like me!" Contributions may be sent to Michael F. Shanahan, 1563 Route 19, Elizaville, NY 12523.

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