Obituary of Vera Emma Shannon

August 26, 1932 - Rear Leeds and Lansdowne, Ontario

August 27, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Vera Emma Shannon (née Williamson), of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the age of 91 years.

Vera was born on August 26, 1932, to Carl Williamson and Julia (nee Curtis) of Athens, Ontario. Vera attended elementary school in the Oakleaf School, a one-room schoolhouse. Vera moved to Toronto, Ontario, where she worked for IBM as a bookkeeper. While living in Toronto, Vera married Vernon McBride and gave birth to her sons, Bradley and Stanley. Vera later moved to Calgary, Alberta, to pursue a career in accounting.

Vera married Joseph J. “Joe” Shannon in Calgary, Alberta, in 1983, and together they celebrated their large, blended family and were known by their friends and colleagues for their annual Christmas parties. Vera and Joe loved life and always prioritized family time. Their enthusiasm for travel took them on global adventures where they explored many cultures.

Vera was predeceased by parents, Julia and Carl Williamson; brothers, Gordon Williamson and Mel Williamson, Vern McBride, Joe Shannon, and Carmen Lane. She is survived by Bea Murphy (Don), Bradley McBride, Stanley McBride (Anisa), Aaron Shannon (Anna), Cory Shannon, son-in-law Derek Lane; grandchildren, Natalie Shand (Greg), Samuel Steinhilber, Laurren McBride, Samantha Kleinsasser (Tobias), Mireille McBride, Jessica Zold (John), Cailey Millard, Jessica Hall (David), Chad Lane; and her great-grandchildren.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Vera’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will take place at St Mary's Cemetery (3157 Erlton St SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Shannon’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Vera’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com, an organization Vera felt strongly about.

In living memory of Vera Shannon, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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