Obituary of Shannon Finn

Shannon Marie McCarthy Finn passed away suddenly on November 2nd at home in Chapel Hill, NC from complications related to pregnancy.  She was seven months pregnant with her second child, Avery Grace Finn, who also passed.  Shannon is remembered lovingly by her family and friends for her caring heart, genuine warmth, graceful leadership, lively intelligence, sharp wit, and gentle spirit. She was a light in this world, beautiful inside and out, sparkling and grounded at the same time. 

Daughter of Deborah Love McCarthy and John Joseph McCarthy, and older sister of Hannah Grace McCarthy, Shannon was born on March 13, 1991, in Tampa, FL. She attended Corpus Christi Catholic School followed by the Academy of The Holy Names, an all-girls Catholic high school where she formed close, lifelong bonds. She was president of her senior class, captain of the dance team, National Honor Society member, and a leading member of the Latin Forum team. She served on two mission trips to West Virginia and was chosen homecoming queen at Tampa Jesuit High School for boys. Beloved by the AHN faculty and her classmates, she embodied the school’s motto, “Esse Quam Videri, (To Be Rather Than To Seem.)”

Shannon then attended the University of Florida where, in four-and-a-half years, she completed a bachelor of science degree in journalism and communications combined with a master of science in management and business in January 2013. She was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta sorority where she formed lifelong friendships with her sisters, and was a member of the Order of Omega, an honor society recognizing outstanding collegiate leaders.

Following her graduation from the University of Florida, she worked for four years as an account executive at Gartner Group, a technology consulting firm, first in Fort Myers and then later in Los Angeles. Her work ethic and talent earned her promotions and helped her qualify for an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii for top sales producers.

Shannon met the love of her life, Andrew Michael Finn, in 2015 in New York, and joined him in Manhattan Beach, CA the following year. The two then spent a year together exploring the world. Highlighted by a three-month adventure across Australia, their travels also included road trips in Europe, Bali, Antigua, Costa Rica and Japan. Shannon was an easy going traveler who loved new challenges and experiences.

In 2019, the couple settled down in New York City, where Shannon joined Salesforce as a senior account director. After the start of Covid, the couple moved to Chapel Hill, NC, and were married in an intimate family ceremony in March 2021. Their son, Thomas John (TJ), was born December 31, 2021.

Shannon loved being TJ’s mother, Andrew’s wife, and the life they were building together in their Chapel Hill community. She thrived in motherhood and this new chapter of her life. It was her greatest joy to create a loving family with Andrew, which came so naturally to them. She shared this fulfilling journey in “Mom Group Chat,” a podcast that Shannon developed with two close friends. 

Shannon is survived by her husband, son, mother, father, sister, dog, and many other loving family members. Donations in her memory may be made to March of Dimes, dedicated to maternal and infant health.

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the family.