Tributes to ‘beautiful’ care worker Shannon Hauxwell from Bishop Auckland

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.

Her sister-in-law and best friend, Chelsea Hauxwell, 33, shared that 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.”

Shannon was very close to her family, including her parents, Jean and Big Paul, and her brother Paul. She adored her niece and nephew, Lousha and Little Paul, treating them as her own. Chelsea remarked, “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,” Chelsea added. “Her mum, dad, and brother meant the world to her.”

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. Chelsea mentioned, “The boys said it was just like a lads holiday for them.”

Despite her aggressive disease spreading quickly to her lungs, brain, and back, Shannon remained strong for those around her. Chelsea recalled how Shannon encouraged them to continue family traditions, telling them to 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,” Chelsea said. “She was just amazing. So many people are going to miss her around here.”

Tributes have poured in for Shannon on social media, with mourners describing the loss as “heart-breaking.” One loved one said, “Absolutely heart-breaking. The most beautiful soul. You would light up any room you walked into.”

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.”