ANN ELIZABETH SHAHEEN
Ann Elizabeth Shaheen, 64, of North America passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2016 in Rabun Gap, Georgia.
Ann, also known as Annie, Sister Ann, Auntie Ann, Auntie Angel, Elizabeth and Cha-Cha, was a dear friend to all those she touched through the many places she lived and called home throughout her life.
Ann was born December 8, 1952 to Louis J. Shaheen and Catherine Riley Shaheen of Norwich, NY. After graduating from Norwich Senior High School in 1970, Ann attended SUNY Morrisville. Upon graduation, Ann found her love for interacting with people drew her to the hospitality industry. First working with Holiday Inn and Hyatt on Cape Cod and Cambridge, MA, she then joined AMTRAK as a hospitality lead for the Metroliner. She loved her work on the railroad and made many friends up and down the D.C to Boston corridor until 1987.
Ann decided to tap into her culinary creativity and settled in East Sandwich, MA where she opened Annie’s Kitchen Provisions. For 12 years her homemade fresh pies (which frequently sold out!), top line kitchen gadgets and cookware were popular to her many loyal customers and friends around Cape Cod.
Sister Ann was the consummate entertainer and hostess. Her Christmas parties were legendary for her good cheer, elaborate spreads, great music and her unique and original decorative flair (Many recall the Christmas tree suspended on a pulley and her chairs hanging on the wall!). Her vintage style and nostalgic collections could always start a conversation.
The Cape House was made a home with the addition of her beloved golden retriever, Sara. The twosome could be found riding around town, walking the beach, and sharing the good life on Cape Cod.
After selling her business, she began to travel extensively and settled in Florida where she started her next venture, “Angels by the Sea”. Ann had a gift for caring for elderly clients, lending a helping hand, and many times becoming a trusted friend in their later years of life.
Two of Ann’s many trademarks were her bright red lipstick and string of pearls. She also had a sweet habit of sealing envelopes with a kiss. Annie was also known for her signature sayings. Some of our favorites: “Toot-a-loo”, “Color Me Crazy”, “Just sayin…” and “Don’t buy green bananas. Buy two yellow and give one away”. Many of her sayings can be found in her numerous journal musings. No one embellished a story like Cha Cha! As Pops always said, “Annie, you need to write a book, even if no one reads it!”.
Auntie Ann’s sense of humor would fill a room with smiles even after she left the premises. This trait has been passed down to her niece Allison. She will be remembered for her generosity to others, and her support to hospice along with numerous other charities. During one (of many!) power outages on the Cape, Annie cooked up everything in her fridge and freezer and delivered it to the local Fire Station. That’s the kind of gal she was.
Ann leaves behind her brother Louis Jr. and his wife Janet, along with her niece Allison Patricia and nephew Jeremy Alan. She was predeceased by her parents; Louis Sr. and Catherine, her sister Patricia Parker and her dear friend, Bert Hinderscheid.
Ann surrounded herself with a colorful cast of characters wherever she roamed. There are too many to list, but her family wants all of you to know how important and meaningful you all were to Annie’s life. For that we will be forever grateful. You met her once, and you’d never forgot her……
Annie lived, laughed, and loved in full HD color. Her family and the many friends who crossed paths with her in this life will miss her quick wit, effervescence, and adventurous spirit dearly.
A private memorial service is being planned for this summer on Cape Cod and those who wish to honor Ann, can donate to the MSPCA, 1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632, www.mspca.org.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.