Carol Moore Shannon
- May 16
- 2 min read
5/15/26

Carol Moore Shannon passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, after being lovingly cared for throughout the past year by her son, John, and daughters, Allison, Carolyn, and Molly. She leaves behind a lifetime of family and friends who she loved deeply.
Carol was born in Syracuse, NY in 1947 to John and Mabel Moore. As the youngest of four children, she spent her childhood in the University neighborhood of Syracuse before graduating as a proud Nottingham "Bulldog" and later a LeMoyne College "Dolphin." Carol was a dedicated teacher in the Marcellus Central School District, where she formed meaningful friendships with colleagues who shared her deep belief in the transformative power of education.
Carol was incredibly close to her sister, Dorothy Cogswell, and Dorothy's husband, Mike. Their lives were intertwined, and it was through Mike that Carol was introduced to John Shannon, a young attorney in Syracuse. Carol and John were married at St. Therese the Little Flower Church in May 1975 and built a joyful and busy life together while raising their four children in the village of Skaneateles. John and Carol shared a deep devotion to one another, characterized by the care they provided each other throughout their life together
Family, friends, and the music of Frank Sinatra were at the center of Carol’s life. She loved bringing people together for home-cooked meals, often with music playing, conversation filling the room, and everyone feeling welcome. She was a member of Leisure Club, played weekly tennis, and regularly gathered with friends in a group simply known as “Club."
A steadfast highlight of Carol’s week was Wednesday bridge with a special group of ladies who prophetically called themselves “The Mixed Nuts.” An active parishioner of St.
Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church, Carol firmly believed in faith and service to others. She participated in numerous programs including Vincent House Guild, The Fresh Air Fund and, during retirement, baked for Samaritan Center.
Carol happily settled into her ultimate lifetime role as “Gum”. Her grandchildren could do no wrong; she loved sharing some of her favorite hobbies with them, including playing pitch, reading and baking. Her family will remember her beautiful smile and vivacious spirit.
Carol was predeceased by her husband, John Shannon, parents, John and Mabel Moore, and siblings, Elaine Sexton, and John Moore.
She is survived by her daughters, Allison Olley (Michael), Carolyn Shannon (Chris), Molly Shannon, her son John Shannon, and her grandchildren Sean, Sam, and Leo Olley and Ruby and Emmett Donovan.
There will be a Mass for Carol on Wednesday, May 20th at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church at 10 am. All are invited to a celebration of her life immediately following at the Sherwood Inn from 11:00-2:00.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael C. Cogswell Scholarship Fund at Marcellus Central Schools (Please make checks payable to "Marcellus Central School District". Note in memo line: for the Michael C Cogswell Scholarship Fund. Mail donations to: Joanne Scholl, Marcellus Central School District, 2 Reed Parkway, Marcellus, NY 13108) or a gift in her memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- Blood Cancer United. https://givenow.bloodcancerunited.org.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
Our deepest condolences to the children of John/ Carol and the extended family.
Cousins from Vince and Lois Shannon.
Sending healing ❤️🩹 thoughts and prayers to all family and friends during this difficult time. Although I did not know her, I understand that she was an extraordinary woman.
Dear Allison, Carolyn, John & Molly,
We are so sorry for your loss. Whenever I think of your Mom I picture her with a smile. Just like in her picture above. Whenever I ran into her she always took time to ask me how I was doing and greeted me with a big smile. I know she loved her family and the town she raised you in. She and your Dad are one of the great Skan families I always think of from my youth.
Thinking of you all!
Love,
Taylor Strodel Green
To the Shannon and Cogswell families- I am so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. She was such a wonderful person- with an infectious laugh! My formative years were spent with Amy at the Cogswell’s home and camp- and many times Carol and her family were there. Such fond memories of the time I was included in your family vacation at the house on Captiva and the girls weekend to the Jersey Shore! Carol was always so positive and happy- a joy to be around. May her memory be a blessing to all of you.
Carol and John were wonderful friends and Carol was a colleague at Marcellus Elementary School. The children of that school loved her dearly as did all that worked with her. We spent winter breaks with the Shannons and Cogswell in Florida. Ed and I will hold those wonderful memories forever!!