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Mary Shaughnessy
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Mary Shaughnessy (Ellis), 72, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on February 26, 2023, after a long battle with heart and lung disease. Mary was born August 24, 1950 to Vinton and Mary Jo Ellis in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Mary attended Scottsbluff schools and graduated High School in 1968. Upon graduation, Mary studied elementary education at Chadron State College. She graduated in 1972 and dedicated her life to teaching for more than 25 years for Scottsbluff, Bridgeport and Alliance Public Schools in Nebraska and Wickenburg AZ Public Schools. In 1973, Mary met the love of her life, Lyle Shaughnessy (now deceased) in Golden, Colorado. They married in August of 1974, in Scottsbluff and went on to have two children, Angela (Shaughnessy) Berkey and Ryan Shaughnessy. Mary and Lyle established residence in Alliance in 1976. In 1989 the family relocated to Wickenburg, Arizona. After retiring in 2002, Mary and Lyle moved to Sun City West AZ. Together they remodeled their retirement home. They spent time traveling via RV and cruising to many exotic locations. Mary had a close circle of friends and enjoyed reading in her free time. Mary is survived by her children: Daughter, Angela (Shaughnessy) Berkey (Greg) of Parker, Colorado and Son, Ryan Shaughnessy (Jessica), and grandchildren, Avery and Aidan of Parker, Colorado. Mary is also survived by her bother Martin Ellis (Nancy) of Franktown, Colorado and niece Renee (Ellis) Schwarzkopf (Will) of Parker, Colorado. Mary is preceded in death by both of her parents, Vinton and Mary Jo Ellis. Mary dedicated her life to teaching and was resolute that upon death, her body would be donated to science in order to help others beyond her time here on earth. Mary has opted to have her ashes dedicated in Flagstaff, Arizona, with a small family remembrance at that time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Arizona Alzheimer’s Association or The American Lung Association.