Eileen Connors Ireland Shaughnessy

Eileen Connors Ireland Shaughnessy, beloved wife of John “Jack” R. Shaughnessy, passed away on November 7, 2023, with family by her side at the age of 95. She was born on July 13, 1928 to the late John H. and Alice (Coleman) Connors and was a lifelong Norwalk resident. Eileen graduated from St. Mary’s School and Norwalk High School. After high school she was employed at Nash Engineering and married Ralph E Ireland Sr in 1948. Together they raised five children, were active in St Matthews Church from its beginning, took part in civic activities, and nurtured lifelong friendships. For 30 years Eileen was a member of both the Women’s Board of Norwalk Hospital and Treasure House as well as being active with The Norwalk Hospital Volunteers for 20 years.

Her life was filled with love of family, friends, faith and the strength to carry her through, the sudden loss of her beloved son Daniel Q. Ireland and the loss of her husband Ralph. in grief she found strength and compassion to reach out to others in their time of need. Eileen was goodness personified. Her warmth was always present for all to share.

Eileen was predeceased by her brother Fred O’Connor and wife Gladys, her brother Richard Connors, sister-in- laws Doris Ireland Fay, Connie Rafa Ireland, brother-in laws Henry Ireland and James Fay, and step daughter Kathy Shaughnessy Jambeck.

In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her children, Donna Ireland(Jerry Obijiski) of Easton, Ralph E Ireland Jr(Oksanna Babji). of Norwalk, John H. Ireland (Anne McMullen) of Longmont, CO and David R. Ireland of Beckenridge, CO, sister-in-law Judith Connors of Columbiana, OH. Eileen’s pride and joy, her grandchildren, Mohini Ireland Yalanis, John David Ireland, Alice R. Ireland and Grace A. Ireland (fiance Luke Duggan) as well as three great grandchildren, Nicholas, Anna and Katie Yalanis, several nieces and nephews, Mary Ellen Shanahan Ireland, Joanne VanWinkle and her dearest friend of over eighty five years Barbara Powers Ensign. She is also survived by step daughter Marianne Shaughnessy and stepson “Jack” R Shaughnessy Jr.

A special thank you to Teresa, Karen and Marie, from RVNH who were by Eileen and our family’s side through the most difficult times. They lessened her pain in an incredibly compassionate and gentle way. We will be forever grateful for their kindness,

There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to: St Matthew Church 216 Scribner Ave Norwalk, CT 06854, Treasure House 540 West Ave. Norwalk, CT, Visiting Nurses (RVNAhealth) 27 Governor St. Ridgefield, CT 06877 or a charity of your choice.