Colleen M. Shaughnessy Mathis

HOLDEN - Colleen M. Shaughnessy Mathis, 58, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 18, 2026. 

Born in Leominster and raised in Sterling, Colleen was the daughter of the late Thomas and Maureen (McGuire) Shaughnessy. She graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1986 and went on to further her education at Endicott College and Wheaton College before earning her master's degree from Worcester State University. A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Colleen built a distinguished career as a lecturer and professor, teaching a variety of subjects including history, women's studies, and literature at colleges throughout the Northeast, and spent most of her years teaching students at Endicott College, Salem State University, and Anna Maria College.

Colleen was a woman of great strength and resilience who always put others before herself. She never stopped learning or sharing her knowledge with others, and her passion for teaching remained with her throughout her life. She had no desire to slow down or retire, finding great purpose and fulfillment in her work as an educator. Outside of teaching, Colleen loved to travel and cherished spending summer days at the beach. Above all else, she treasured her family, especially her three daughters and granddaughter, who were the center of her world. Colleen was always happiest when surrounded by her family and loved ones, and had a laugh that would fill a room. Colleen's strength, intelligence, and dedication to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Colleen leaves behind her husband Crawford "Ford" Mathis; her daughters, Cassandra Taylor and her fiancé Spencer Thompson of Rutland, Allison Zeena Gersbeck and her husband John of Providence, RI, and Jillian Zeena of Ware; her sister Erin Shaughnessy-Zeena and her husband Ricky of Princeton; two nieces Sydney and Zoë Zeena; a granddaughter Sophia Taylor; grand-dogs Reese and Lucky; and her beloved dog Wolfie.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 23rd from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 PM in the funeral home. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be private.

Colleen's family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Mass General Hospital for their compassion and care during the end of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alumni Council Scholarship at Endicott College (https://www.endicott.edu/give).

To leave a condolence or share a memory please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com