Lang, Shawn

Shawn Lang, 65, of Hartford, CT, a proud mother, passionate advocate for justice, and lover of friends, music and Boston sports teams, passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2021. She was

born in Norfolk, MA, on February 5, 1956, the daughter of Herbie and Pat (Cashen) Lang.

Shawn spent her entire career as an advocate for persons living with HIV and AIDS, the LGBTQ community, as well as those with opioid addictions, survivors of domestic violence, and those experiencing housing insecurity. As a staff person and volunteer, she worked tirelessly for programs, policies, and state and federal legislation that provided services and protections for persons in need.

For the past thirty years Shawn worked as the Deputy Director of Advancing CT Together (ACT). She was a board member of the National AIDS Housing Coalition and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS

at Yale University. She sat on the CT Alcohol and Drug Policy Council and founded the Statewide Opiate

Overdose Prevention Workgroup. In 2017, Shawn was honored at the White House as a Champion of Change for Advancing Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.

When she wasn't advocating in the halls of the State Capitol and Congress, Shawn could be found socializing with family and her many friends, playing guitar on First Friday music nights, cheering for her Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Huskies, and vacationing in P-Town. But her dedication to the causes of justice and equality was only exceeded by her boundless dedication to her son, Corbett Lang, of Hartford, CT. He brought her the greatest of love, joy and pride, and Shawn treasured their time together.

In addition to her son, Corbett, of Hartford, CT, Shawn is survived by her sisters Heidi Cronin and her husband Mike of Norfolk MA, Tricia Barry and her husband Charles of Wrentham, MA, Gretchen Lang of Margate,

FL, and her brother Tiger Lang of Bennington, VT, and many nieces and nephews.

Shawn's family is deeply and forever grateful to Shawn's many friends, co-workers and fellow advocates who provided her with love and support during her remarkable and impactful life, and who shared her commitment to justice and equality. A Celebration of Life will

be held on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at the Pond House, 1555 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT. Calling hours are from 5:30 to 9:00pm, including a ceremony from 6:30 to 7:15pm. Masks are required per town regulations and the wishes of Shawn who dedicated her life's work to public health. Vaccinations encouraged. Shawn Lang-approved attire welcome - i.e. jeans, khaki shorts, political t-shirts. Donations in memory of Shawn and her work may be sent to Advancing CT Together at 110 Bartholomew Avenue, Suite 3050, Hartford, CT 06106

(info@act-ct.org).