Shirley Jean Shanahan's Obituary
Shirley Jean Shanahan, 88, of Garland, Texas, was born on June 6, 1935 in Milan, Michigan to Henry and Marie Gomer. She passed away on July 4, 2023.
Shirley worked in cancer research most of her adult life. Her work was primarily at the University of Michigan, although she was on staff at UT Southwestern until her retirement.
Shirley enjoyed going to the gym, walking and classes. She also loved music and dancing. Old westerns, particularly “Gunsmoke”, were her favorite television programs.
Shirley loved animals of all kinds – especially her cats and her “grand-dogs”.
Shirley also loved to shop with Connie. It did not matter if it was for groceries or just for fun, she loved shopping for clothes and especially loved shopping for shoes (her favorite!).
Shirley will be remembered for her love of and dedication to her church. She was a faithful servant-member of the church’s Altar Guild for a number of years. Shirley was a self-taught and avid crocheter who made hundreds of assorted items including making and donating prayer shawls.
Shirley is preceded in death by: her parents; seven siblings; her younger daughter, Diane Marie; and her only grandson, Derrick Wayne.
Shirley is lovingly remembered and celebrated by: her daughter, Connie Lynn Colby (Robert White) of Richardson, Texas; three great-grandchildren Keith, Autumn and Zoey; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Service will begin at 1:00PM on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Richardson with the Rev. Linda Anderson-Little officiating. A reception in the Church’s Gathering Area will follow the service.
If desired and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the mission causes of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (www.stlukeslutheranchurch.org).
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