Bishop Auckland care worker Shannon Hauxwell remembered fondly

Shannon Hauxwell Passes Away at 32 After Battle with Cancer

Shannon Hauxwell, from Bishop Auckland, was diagnosed with aggressive mouth cancer nearly a year ago. She passed away at the age of 32 on New Year’s Eve.

Family and Friends Remember Shannon

Chelsea Hauxwell, 33, Shannon’s sister-in-law and best friend, said Shannon lit up the room with her dark sense of humor and kind spirit. Even after her diagnosis in February 2025, Chelsea noted that Shannon never allowed herself to feel down.

“You could never be morbid or down anywhere near her,” Chelsea said. “She would always make jokes and she had an infectious smile. I’m glad she never lost her sense of humour.”

Close Family Bonds

Chelsea mentioned that Shannon’s close relationship with her family helped her through tough times. Shannon was very close to her parents, Jean and Big Paul, and her brother Paul. The 32-year-old adored her niece and nephew, Lousha and Little Paul, treating them as her own.

Chelsea said, “She would’ve been an amazing mum. My little girl Lousha is Shannon’s spitting image, so as long as she’s here we’ll always have a part of Shannon with us. And my son Little Paul was the apple of her eye.”

“Her mum, dad, and brother meant the world to her. The relationship she had with her family was something else. My kids were practically like her own. She was aunty to them, but she was also aunty to all.”

Work and Community Impact

Shannon’s warmth extended beyond her family to her work as a supervisor at The Manor House care home in Barnard Castle. Her family said she devoted her days to helping others.

Last April, her brother Paul and his friends completed a 13-and-a-half-day coast-to-coast challenge to raise money for Shannon’s treatment and support her. Chelsea said, “The boys said it was just like a lads holiday for them. She wasn’t able to make it to the finish line and didn’t really get to spend the money raised, but it was amazing.”

Final Days and Tributes

Despite struggling with an aggressive disease that spread quickly to her lungs, brain, and back, Shannon remained strong for those around her. Chelsea remembered how Shannon made sure they continued family traditions, telling them to still go to Tenerife for New Year despite her diagnosis.

“We saw her for the last time on December 28. Jean said that after we’d left for the airport, that’s when she finally seemed to relax. She was just amazing. So many people are going to miss her around here.”

Social Media Tributes

Tributes have poured in for Shannon on social media, with mourners describing the loss as “heart-breaking.” A loved one said, “Absolutely heart-breaking. The most beautiful soul. You would light up any room you walked into, with your smile and contagious laugh. You fought so hard. May God give you the best bed in heaven Shan. Rest in peace.”

Another added, “What a blessing it was to have you in my life Shan and call you a friend. You made the dark days brighter and made me laugh when I wanted to cry. The most gorgeous woman inside and out. Shannon, my heart is breaking for you, your family, and everyone that adores you. I will look for you in every rainbow. Love you forever.”