Martha Shannon

Shannon, Martha M. MADISON Martha M. Shannon, age 67, passed away on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Linden Grove Nursing Home in Waukesha after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Martha was born on Oct. 24, 1940, in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Joseph H. and Maureen (Kavanagh) McCann. She graduated from Immaculata High School and the University of Detroit where she earned her journalism degree. Martha worked for the Detroit Historical Museum, until she moved to Wisconsin after her marriage in 1964. She worked for Lands End before retiring in 2005. Martha was a lover of nature, mystery stories, travel, poetry, puns and all things Irish. She was an Arboretum volunteer and member of Sisters in Crime. She studied the Irish language and was known for her encyclopedic knowledge of Irish song lyrics. Martha traveled extensively especially with Irish music tours. She was a longtime member of St. Bernards Catholic Church. Martha is survived by her daughters, Patty (John) Bakke of Waukesha, and Kathy (Matt Frank) Shannon of Illinois; a son, Michael (Lorelei) Shannon of Texas; three grandchildren, Karissa, Anya and Tegan; sisters, Maggie (Sid) Moore of Virginia, and Alice (Phil) Osburn of Michigan; a brother, David (Charlie Hensley) McCann of New York; and a special cousin, Addie (Joe) Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two infant brothers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, with Monsignor Patrick Higgins presiding. A visitation will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, with words of remembrance at 7 p.m. Friends may also call on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Linden Grove Nursing Home and Seasons Hospice of Waukesha for their loving care at the end of her life.