Shannon Marie Judith Ryan
March 15, 1957 – December 30, 2018

Shannon died peacefully surrounded by her college friends after a brave and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She was preceded in death by her parents Martin Ryan and Judith Hughes Ryan. Shannon is survived by her brother Patrick Ryan, sister Kerry (Ryan) Zagarella (Neal) and brother Seamus Ryan and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was also survived by her loving caretakers Rita Hamilton, Anne Hagerty Lewis and Kathleen Kund Nolan.

Shannon was born in Coconut Grove, FL and was raised in both FL and Salem, MA.  Shannon’s joy of learning led her to DeSales University (formerly known as Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales) and thus began her 44-year friendship with “The Lovies” – Brenda Cavella, Concetta DiNardo Meehan, Andrea Barndt Roney, Norka Shedlock, Michele Finiello DiNapoli, Rita, Anne and Kathleen.  As a theatre major, Shannon sparkled on the stage of DeSales as Louison in The Imaginary Invalid and excelled behind the curtain building scenery and props.

Upon graduation from DeSales in 1979, Shannon embarked on a “most excellent adventure” with Rita and together they traveled across the country to live and work in Redondo Beach, CA. In 1981, Shannon settled in New York City in her Upper West Side apartment until her illness began in 2013.

Shannon’s professional career in New York included many years at Workman Publishing where Shannon worked as an editor.  Most notable was her role as editor on the very successful book, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”  Following Workman Publishing, Shannon spent 10 years as a legal secretary at the Sullivan Cromwell law firm.  All the while, Shannon continued to pursue her theatre career as a stand-up comedienne performing at venues such as Caroline’s in New York City.

Shannon’s greatest joy in life was the happy times she spent with her brother Seamus and her many friends, her successful professional career and her leadership role at her local Al-Anon chapter.

Shannon enjoyed boxing, swimming, photography and walking in her adopted city, especially Central Park. Shannon enjoyed her extended family of “The Lovies”, the late Ma Hamilton and in particular the Lewis family – Chuck, Anne, Joanna, Christian, Paul and Mariah.

Throughout her illness many friends joined her caregivers to help take care of Shannon particularly Beth Antoni, Regina Antoni, Maggie Folkes, Andrea Roney, Norka Shedlock, Jodie Rohrer and the entire Lewis family.

Shannon worked tirelessly to better herself, to educate herself and to open her heart to life’s possibilities.  Shannon’s positive zest for life was a testimony to the power of resilience, perseverance and pure love.

Memorial Mass on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St. Stanislaus RC Church.  51 Lansdale Ave, Lansdale, PA 19446.  11am.  Private Burial.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Shannon’s memory to DeSales University, Arts Angels Scholarship Fund, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034.