Katherine E. Laiolo

Katherine Elinor Shaughnessy Laiolo, 92, widow of Bernard Laiolo and long-time resident of Carmel-by-the-Sea, died at her home on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Elinor was born in Richmond, California on October 24, 1927, to John and Delia Hernon Shaughnessy, both of whom immigrated from Galway, Ireland.

Elinor was a graduate of San Francisco State College and taught in the primary grades of the Richmond Unified School District. She later served as principal at Olinda School. Early in her career, she was employed by the Department of Defense as a teacher in schools for children of US military personnel stationed in Fuerstenfeldbruck, Germany and Aviano, Italy. During these years, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, Egypt and the Middle East. Her love of travel continued throughout her life.

Upon returning to the US, Elinor was chosen to lead the first Head Start program in the nation in the Richmond schools. A demonstration film was produced in her classrooms and was used as a teaching tool for educators across the country. Her passion for early childhood education led to being invited to Japan to introduce the Head Start methods there. This opportunity came after the Japanese Minister of Education visited the Richmond schools as part of the Sister City program

In 1978 Elinor married Barney Laiolo and moved to Casa Laiolo in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Here she began to merge her Irish heritage with Italian traditions, as she was welcomed into Barney’s family. She proudly wore a “Garlic and Gaelic” declaration on St. Patrick’s Day every year. Elinor quickly became involved in Carmel life. Her most important affiliation was as a parishioner at the Carmel Mission Basilica, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, as well as on the Finance Committee and the Altar Society. She assisted in planning the celebration for the canonization of Saint Junipero Serra, founder of the Carmel Mission. Elinor’s family had a life-long devotion to Mary, the Mother of Perpetual Help and she made possible the restoration of that shrine at the Basilica.

Elinor was dedicated to preserving and enhancing Carmel history and charm, and actively participated in Carmel’s civ ic and social life, She served as president of the Carmel chapter of Red Cross, and as a board member of the Carmel Foundation. Elinor was on the City planning committee for the papal visit of John Paul II to the San Carlos Mission during his North American tour in 1987. Elinor participated in the Sister City program again when Carmel welcomed King Juan Carlos of Spain to Carmel.

Elinor was a member of the Monday Afternoon Club, and the 20-40 Club. In 1986, she was elected to the Carmel City Council, and served as vice mayor during Clint Eastwood’s term as mayor. She remained active on the Historical Resources Board of the city for many years after leaving the Council.

Elinor’s sister ,Marylily Shaughnessy Speakman, and brother, Reverend John Hernon Shaughnessy, CSsR, preceded her in death. She is survived by a large extended family and many friends, including her niece, Mary Kay Hall and husband Joe ( Lexington, KY), nephew, J. Michael Speakman and wife Lyn, (Crockett, CA) and stepsons, Antonio Laiolo (Nashville, TN), and Christopher Laiolo (Pacific Grove, CA.), She and Barney delighted in their four grandchildren, Bryn Laiolo Evans (Daryl), Cara Laiolo Becker(Kraig), Lauren Laiolo Lindsay(Chris) and George Laiolo. In later years, Elinor met both great-grandchildren, Elora Louise Evans and Elliot Rao Lindsay. Elinor’s relatives throughout California and in Ireland include first cousins, Peter Cannon,Brendan Cannon, MaryAnne Forde, and Padhraic Faherty. Her Italian family included five dear nieces (Toni, Michelle, Carla, Maria, and Nikki) and their families, Didi Maillard, Geno Laiolo and wife Marianne, and Ellen Starkey.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, March 2, at 10 a.m. at San Carlos Mission Basilica in Carmel. Visitation and recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9 a.m.. A reception will follow in the Crespi Hall at the Mission. lnterment will be at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery in San Pablo, CA.