Ruth L. (Small) Shanahan

Ruth L. (Small) Shanahan, a longtime resident of Salem, MA passed away in the comfort of her home with family by her side on Sunday, January 25, 2026. She was 94 years old. Ruth was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and love.

Ruth was born on March 27, 1931, to the late George Small and Josephine (Lemelin) Small. She was raised in Salem and Danvers MA. Ruth graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Lynn, MA. She spent many years as a childcare provider in her home in Salem where she lived most of her married life and raised her family.

Ruth married the love of her life, Paul Shanahan on September 17, 1950, at St. Mary of the Annunciation in Danvers. Together they celebrated 58 years of marriage. St. James Church in Salem was an important part of her life for over sixty years.

She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She loved spending time with her family. Ruth was an avid reader and loved watching classical musicals. Her hobbies included needle point, latch hooking, knitting and crocheting. She also cherished celebrating all of the holidays with her family riding along the ocean and spending time down Winter Island on her and her husband Paul’s family bench. Their bench has a plaque with all of her children’s names and their favorite song, “Always.”

Ruth loved family vacations, get-togethers, and sitting on her back porch, but her true focus was centered on her family and especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth was such a special person, kind, generous, giving, and always willing to listen and help. She was warm-hearted, compassionate, thoughtful and forgiving person. She loved animals of all kinds and cared for several pets in her home. She was also an avid fan of the New England Patriots.

Ruth will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Ruth is predeceased by her husband Paul Shannahan, parents George and Josephine Small, sisters Muriel Chaisson and Joan Small, brother Bob Small, son Jim Shanahan, daughter Donna Currier and great grandson, Corey P. Currier.

Ruth is survived by her two daughters Kathy and her husband Skip Tobey, Debbie and her husband Jayson Marshall; a son-in-law Phil Currier; a daughter-in-law Anne Shanahan; eight grandchildren, Brian, and his wife Melissa, Shanna, Melissa, Mindy and her husband Scott, Danielle and her husband Dave, Jonathan and his wife Jen, Michael and his wife Brittany, and Katlin and her husband John; Twelve great grandchildren, Mathew, Chris, Landon, Jacob, David, Kallie, Ashley, Caden, Andrew, Serena, Benjamin, and Theo, brother-in-law Norris, a sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Danvers, MA on February 21, 2026, at 4:00pm. A separate Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew’s Church in Windham, NH on March 14, 2026, at 11:00am. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A private burial will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery a later date, in Salem, MA.

Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to a charity of one’s choice.