Jeanne Gallagher Shannon, 88, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, a fitting day for a woman whose life was defined by faith, family, love, and generosity of spirit.
Jeanne met the love of her life, Frank Shannon, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. That meeting began a love story that would span 71 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with laughter, resilience, deep partnership, and most importantly, a family who became their greatest pride and joy.
Born in Throop, near Scranton, Pennsylvania, Jeanne was the daughter of the late Gregory and Sadie Gallagher and the eldest of four children. She was predeceased by her brother Jerry and her sister Rosemary. She leaves behind her dear sister, Peg Roberts of New Kensington PA, and in-laws, Jack and Aggie Shannon of Philipsburg, PA, and Carolyn Gallagher of Casanova, VA.
Jeanne and Frank spent their early married years moving throughout the country. Their family grew as they welcomed five children, each born in a different state. Eventually they found their forever home in Marlborough, Connecticut, where Jeanne became a beloved friend, neighbor, and community member.
Nothing mattered more to Jeanne than her family. She was the proud and devoted mother of Colleen Kaplan (John), Michael Shannon (Kathleen), Elizabeth Tracey (Tom), Sara Tarca (Rick), and Amy Hill (Peter). She was their constant supporter, their best listener, and their biggest champion. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Hannah Kaplan (Mark), Brenna Kaplan (Justin); Bridget Jenkins (Robbie), Joe Shannon (Jen); Emmie Timothy (Tom), Mary Kate, and Micaela Tracey; Zoe, Olivia, and Jack Tarca; Norah, Sadie, and Cullen Hill. She also leaves behind her treasured great-grandchildren Oliver, Ava, Frankie, Sophie, Cayden, and TJ, who brought her endless happiness and pride. Additionally, she is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her warmth, humor, and genuine interest in their lives. She was especially appreciative of her relationship with Kim and Allan Minker.
Jeanne and Frank were active, early members of St. John Fisher Church in Marlborough, where their faith and friendships became an important part of their lives. Jeanne’s faith was quiet but constant, guiding the way she cared for others and lived her life.
Jeanne was known for her sharp mind, creative wit, and entrepreneurial spirit. She worked at Connecticut National Bank, Merry Employment Group, and Carsan Clegg Realty before starting her own real estate company, Cornerstone Realty, in Marlborough. She finally retired from Glastonbury Healthtrax as an office administrator. Jeanne enjoyed nothing more than her role as the self-appointed family editor-in-chief. She was quick to spot editorial and grammatical errors. We hope this piece has none!
Jeanne lived a full and active life. Whether it was through her tennis community, swimming, her book clubs that fed her lifelong love of reading, bridge, or her many friendships, Jeanne built a life rich with connection. But what we will remember most is how she showed up – for games, performances, meetings, and milestones. She sewed individual Easter outfits, created scrapbooks to celebrate her grandchildren's graduations, learned how to tend and care for horses, and planned three weddings in one year. She made sure we knew she was always in our corner.
Jeanne also showed love through food. She was an incredible self-taught cook and nothing made her happier than a full house. Holidays, birthdays, and summer gatherings were her favorite times – not only because of the occasion, but because everyone was together. She shared recipes and traditions, ensuring we all knew how to recreate the meals that defined our family memories.
Jeanne’s life will be celebrated with visiting hours at Mulryan Funeral Home in Glastonbury, Connecticut on April 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Fisher Church, 30 Jones Hollow, Marlborough, Connecticut on April 20, 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by burial in Marlboro Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers you consider a donation in Jeanne’s memory to Hospice or a charity of your choosing.
Those who knew Jeanne will remember her quick humor, her intelligence, her strength, and her remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her greatest joy was simply being surrounded by her family, watching it grow across generations.
Jeanne leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, tradition, and family connection that will continue to guide those who loved her. Her family finds comfort knowing that her greatest accomplishment was the life she built with Frank and the family they created together.