Elizabeth Ann Shanahan

Elizabeth Ann Shanahan died in her sleep on January 4, 2013, following a short illness. Ann was born May 18, 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri and moved shortly thereafter to Omaha, Nebraska. Following high school, Ann enrolled at Creighton University. She spent college summers working at the Grand Canyon and graduated with a degree in laboratory medicine in 1947. Following college, she worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha. In 1949, Ann met her husband, Mike Shanahan, while both were working at St. Joseph Hospital. Mike was studying medicine at Creighton University Medical School. Ann and Mike married in June 1950 and, following Mikes graduation from medical school, moved to Seattle, Mikes hometown. Ann and Mike started their family in 1951 with the first of their seven children. Together they built a family and a medical practice that both flourished. Ann was active in St. Edwards Parish, ODea High School, Holy Names Academy, Catholic Childhood, and the Childrens Orthopedic Guild for more than 50 years. After her children were raised, Ann went back to work for the Veterans Administration retiring after 15 years. Two of her fondest pastimes were reading and the stock market. Her capacity for digesting information on virtually any topic was astounding and her passion for books has been passed on to all of her children. She also loved the stock market and listening to financial news radio daily. Later in her life, she had the opportunity to travel and loved visiting some of the places that she had read about over the years. Among her favorite destinations were Italy and Hawaii. While she and Mike argued over which was the best Hawaiian Island, she was always ready to take another trip to the islands to settle the matter once and for all. Ann was an independent spirit right up until the end. She was active in the south Seattle seniors centers acting as treasurer for a number of years. As the chaos of modern life often consumed others, Ann found solace in her faith and her weekly Bible study group. When she wasnt reading, lunching with other seniors, or making her next stock move, Ann was on a bus tour somewhere in the northwest. She loved to be on the go. Whether it was Christmas lights in Leavenworth, Victorian houses in Port Townsend, or tulips in Mount Vernon, you could count her in. While we are sad that she has departed, we are fond of the legacy she left behind. Her home was open to all in the days when all parents looked after the children of their neighbors. It was common to have a dozen kids in the yard on a summer day climbing trees, playing in a wading pool, riding the swing set, or riding bicycles. With Ann goes the end of an era. Ann is survived by Mike, her husband of 62 years; daughter Mary Pat (Jeff); daughter Peggy (Ken-deceased); son Michael (Shannon); son Gary (Cathy); daughter Colleen (Ray); son John; grandchildren: Keegan, Kelsey, Lauren, Brianne, and Ben. Anns son Joe preceded her in death. Announcement: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Childrens Hospital Foundation, PO Box 50020, Mailstop S200, Seattle, WA 98145; Providence Mount St Vincent, 4831 35 Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116.