Marylou L. Shanahan

1928 - 2017

Shanahan, Marylou L. Entered the Fullness of Eternal Life on March 27, 2017, at the age of 88. Marylou (Nee Lenken) was married to the love of her life, Robert D. Shanahan, on May 19, 1956, and they were married for 32 wonderful years. She is the loving mother of Katherine (Richard) Cattey, Kevin (Beth) Shanahan, Brian (Cherie) Shanahan, and Julie (Robert) Disch. Proud grandmother of Erin (Steve) Sass, Lauren (Eric) Monroe, Gillian Cattey, Alexandra Shanahan, Angelica Shanahan, Sean-Luc Shanahan, Samantha Shanahan, Robert Disch, and Ryan Disch. Adoring great-grandmother of Sophia, Isabella, and Nora Sass. Cherished sister of the late Barbara Lenken Ferwerda. Further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends. Marylou was born on May 26, 1928, in Milwaukee, WI to the late Robert and Katherine Lenken. She attended St. Robert Grade School, Messmer High School, and Marquette University. In high school she developed a passion for journalism, where she was the editor of the school newspaper. Following high school she graduated from Marquette with a degree in journalism, and worked in Milwaukee radio at WEMP and WOKY. Marylou was able to pair that passion for writing and editing with her devotion to her Catholic faith and her parish, St. Monica's, where she edited and wrote the parish bulletin and was a member for over 56 years. Marylou was a Marquette Warriors fan and enjoyed watching NCAA basketball. Above all though, Marylou loved spending time in her garden and with her family. Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 1, from 9:00 to 10:30AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 5601 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay (corner of N. Santa Monica Blvd. and E. Silver Spring Drive) followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM. Interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Monica School; Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 070912, Milwaukee, WI 53207; Marquette University, BIN 88388, Milwaukee, WI 53288; or to a charity of your choice.