SHANNON R. SPERANDO-SALES

Shannon Rose Sperando-Sales, age 28, a resident of Naperville, IL, formerly of West Chicago, IL, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, after a more than two-year long battle with brain cancer. She was born June 19, 1981 in Winfield, IL. Shannon passed away peacefully with her family by her side. She never once lost her faith, her sense of humor, or the will to fight. With the support of her loving husband and family, Shannon never refused to stop loving life even in the face of great adversity. Her inner strength never ceased to amaze her family, friends, and health care providers. Her focus was not ever on herself, but rather on how her illness affected her family and others. Her unwavering perseverance, unrelenting spirit, and contagious smile, right up until the end, lit a room, and she literally brought joy to all whose lives she touched. And there were so very many. Selfless and humble, altruistic, and forever compassionate, her beauty transcended the physical realm. Her life and memory will continue to serve as a beacon, a source of inspiration and awe for all who knew her. Beloved wife of, soul-mate, and best friend to John D. Sales, Jr.; devoted daughter of Dennis Sperando of West Chicago, and Nancy, nee Hefler, Sperando of Bloomingdale, IL; beloved sister of Randy Pederson and Tarah Sperando; dear granddaughter of Eileen and Richard Kelso and the late Augustine Sperando, Mary Jane and the late Thomas Hefler; cherished daughter-in-law of Sandy and Brian Gay and John Sales, Sr.; adored niece, cousin, sister-in-law and friend to many, and loving owner of her cat, Salem. Shannon grew up in West Chicago, was a graduate of West Chicago High School, Class of 1999. She received an Associate's Degree from the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Iowa, Iowa City in 2005. Shannon was employed by Core Fitness, Iowa City, and most recently by Phonak, LLC, Warrenville, IL. Her hobbies and interests included working out, being outdoors, volunteering, and serving others. Her talents, exuberance for life and vivaciousness were noted by all. Visitation Friday, Dec. 18, 3 to 9 p.m. at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St, Naperville. Services will begin Saturday, Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. from the funeral home and will proceed to an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), 2720 River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60018, 847-827-9910, www.abta.org. For info. 630-355-0213.