MADISON - Shannon Marie Kennedy, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on July 24, 1951, in Madison, the daughter of Joseph and Joan (Ladbrook) Kennedy.

Shannon worked in the Unemployment Division for the State of Wisconsin. She worked for the State for 42 years and helped set up the modern system for unemployment.

Shannon was a very outgoing person. She and Gavin, her life partner, loved to go to rock concerts and listen to rock and roll music together. She spent a lot of time getting breakfast with her best friend and cousin, Cheryl, and the two of them also loved to go to yard sales. After Shannon retired, she worked at her local food pantry and as an election official.

Shannon is survived by her life partner, Gavin Martin; cousin and best friend, Cheryl Thoreson; cousins, Bill (Gale) Kennedy and family, Patrick Kennedy Jr., Kelly Kennedy (Rick Schultz), Tim (Elizabeth) Kennedy and family; and beloved cats, Jimmy and Kimmy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joan and Joseph; brothers, Kerry Kennedy and Michael Kennedy; and cousin, David Thoreson.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, a no-kill animal shelter of your choice, The Salvation Army, or a food pantry of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Shannon Marie Kennedy

July 24, 1951 - June 16, 2026

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