For the Love of Shannon

The greatest sorrow in life is seeing those you love suffer. I am reaching out on behalf of my sister and her family as they grieve the loss of her daughter, Shannon, who left us too soon at the age of 31 on October 14, 2022.

This request is relative to lost income incurred by Peg and family; it is an appeal for assistance in recouping those living expenses. They have very supportive employers who gave them the time off; however, with no income, bills piled up. We are a private, proud family and the thought of asking for financial assistance is not something we would do but these are not normal times.

Shannon spent almost 2 months in ICU fighting for her life before she lost her battle. During that time, my sister as well as Shannon's fiance Cam and family never left her side. My sister in particular spent 11 hour days there, day after day, week after week. The emotional and physical toll cannot be understated.

For those that did not know her, Shannon was quiet, shy, never liked the attention on herself. She would absolutely hate this in fact. She was far more comfortable helping others than herself. My niece was a gentle soul who loved animals - she had 3 fur babies: 2 dogs (Luna and Lily) and 1 cat (Whiskey).

She was a source of pride to her family to have graduated with honors from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors Degree in Criminology. Her many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends will miss her kind and selfless heart.

She was fiercely protective of her brother Kevin, and he felt the same in return. The love between brother and sister was very strong. They were both siblings and best friends.

Sweet is the word most people would use for Shannon but those in the inner circle, her brother, parents, fiancé, also saw the infamous glare on occasion. She would flash a look that would tell you so much more than words. It was fun to watch - as long as not directed at you! Beneath that quiet exterior there was spirit and fire and a lot of sass!

My niece was a supportive daughter to her dad Mike and my sister Peg. Always there for them, always in their corner. She and her mom especially held a strong bond; they were best friends, talking on the phone for hours most nights of the week. Alike in so many ways.

We won’t see Shannon again in this world, nothing can change that or ease that pain. But the support, prayers and love of her friends and family is what is sustaining her parents, brother, fiancé and all of us right now. Thank you for your consideration of this appeal.