Maureen Shannon

Maureen Connolly Shannon, 68, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 20, 1954, to Mike and Hilda Connolly and was a resident of Cleveland her entire life. She was devout in her Catholic faith and exemplified it through her ability to make everyone feel welcome, heard, and accepted.

Maureen was known all her life for her infectious belly laugh, a dimple in her right cheek, and the tenacity of a good Tennessean. She took great pride in being a registered nurse for 37 years, a mother to an amazing son, and a grandmother who sent lots of "squirrel kisses" to her three granddaughters.

But if anyone really knew Maureen, they would know that the sun rose and set with the love of her life - her husband of 39 years, Larry. The two of them were inseparable even to this day. Maureen cared for Larry the last 10 years of his life, devoutly demonstrating her commitment to her vow of "in sickness and in health." She was there when he took his final breath 11 weeks ago. The pain of being here without him was too much so now she joins the love of her life where they can once again be together.

We have lost a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend but we rejoice as she is in heaven, sitting beside Larry and others that have gone before her. We remember her laugh, her ability to care for people and her love for her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry; Stepson, Michael Shannon; parents, Mike and Hilda Connolly; brother, David Connolly; and sister, Shelia Connolly Henderson. She is survived by her son, David Chung (Erin); grandchildren Nellie, Lucy, and Frannie; sisters Diane Duggan, Joan Connolly (Mackenzie Bertram); and brother Mike Connolly (Jeanette). Niece Lynda Howard (Sean); nephews Jacob Duggan (Kaci), Joseph Duggan, Matt Freytag (Kellie), and thirteen great nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank the nurses in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Tennova Hospital and the staff/nurses from Chattanooga Hospice for their dedicated compassionate care during her hospital stay.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 4pm-6pm at Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to:

Karis Community Health - a non-profit that offers comprehensive medical services for the underserved in Bradley County. Visit: https://www.karishealth.org/get-involved

The National Alliance for Caregiving - a non-profit building partnerships in research, advocacy, and innovation to make life better for family caregivers. Visit: https://www.caregiving.org/donate/