Obituary of Barbara Shannon

Barbara L. Shannon, a woman devoted to her family and friends, passed away at her home early Wednesday morning, September 1, 2010. She was 78 years old. Barbara was born and raised in Charlestown, the daughter of the late George and Mary Olson. She graduated from Charlestown High School in 1949. She married her husband Tom and they settled in Burlington in 1957 to raise their family. Barbara had worked part time at Sears and at Almy’s for over 15 years, but would much more want to be remembered as a homemaker for her family. She was lovingly married to her husband for 56 years. They had 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She loved her family unconditionally and was the person they went to some for tender loving care. She was patient, committed to her family, and able to manage all their needs. Her home was filled with family pictures, memories, love and laughter. She made everyone feel special and always made the heroic effort to be present at all her children and grandchildren’s competitions, sporting events, recitals, and life accomplishments, no matter where they lived. Barbara was also a very good friend to her siblings and neighbors. She enjoyed going out to lunch, traveling, and sharing their company. She enjoyed exercising at the mall (shopping). Barbara’s legacy will be that of her family. Barbara was the beloved wife of 56 years of Thomas J. Shannon of Burlington. She was the loving mother of Donna Smith & her husband Andrew of Burlington, Stephen Shannon & his wife Nancy of Holbrook, Daniel Shannon & his wife Carolyn of Burlington, Susan Newell & her husband Paul of Westmont, NJ, and Robert Shannon & his wife Terry of Dracut. She was the sister of Marie Gill & her husband Andy of Stoneham, Rita Butler of Charlestown & her late husband Bucky Butler. Sister-in-law of James & Theresa Shannon of Medford, Edward Delaney of Burlington & his late wife Teresa Delaney. She was the loving grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of 4. Grandmother of the late Shannon Newell. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128,. Woburn side) on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s name may be made to Lahey Clinic, Attn: Philanthropy, For Cardiology, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805