Judith Ann SHANNON

Judith Ann Shannon, aged 51, passed away surrounded by her loving family in Toronto on May 26, 2024. An angel on loan from heaven, Judy maintained her hallmark grace and humour throughout her lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. She entered the world on October 30, 1972, as the 12th of 12 children. Doctors at the time cautioned about the burdens of a child born with Down syndrome being added to a big family with stretched resources. Our parents and siblings shared a different perspective: Judy was a gift. She teased out the better angels of our nature through her persistent joy, enthusiasm, laughter, and her signature 'zinger' one-liners. Always active in the community and super fit, Judy was a member of Quebec's Special Olympics swim team and a lifelong avid dancer. She and her mother spent years knitting blankets for the homeless as part of the Dans la rue program in Montreal. This dynamic duo, known affectionately as the Golden Girls, inseparable for 48 years, finally reunite for eternity. Judy loved adventures, and her Wall of Fame in her room stands as evidence of these, including her pictures with the who's who of Hollywood: dinner with John Travolta and Sean Penn, singing with Dick Van Dyke, laughing with Martin Sheen and Jack Nicholson, and, of course, running on the beach on the set of Baywatch with her all-time favourite, David Hasselhoff - a life less ordinary indeed. Judy loved her family. She loved travelling with them, big dinners at the cottage, and telling stories to a room full of people, dropping the perfect punchline, followed by her glorious belly laugh. Judy was a lady, always beautifully dressed, her manners impeccable, with zero tolerance for profanity. She kept her seven older brothers in line, not an easy task. After her mother's death three years ago, Judy, grieving and enduring her own battle with Alzheimer's, had to adjust to living with her siblings in Florida, Montreal, and Toronto. During this period, her siblings and their families collaborated in a display of selfless love that reflects the lifetime of beauty and grace that radiated from Judy. None were more front and centre in this operation than her best friend, Katherine Imbimbo; her brother, Booka; and sister, Susie. Katherine extended Judy's charm and dignity to the very end, Booka provided daily affirmation FaceTime calls set to her favourite Celine Dion soundtrack, and Susie was her anchor. If you wonder how a late-stage Alzheimer's person with Down syndrome was able to live in two countries, across three cities, in ten homes, over three years, the answer is Susie. You will not ever witness a more perfect display of executive function, loyalty, and love than how Susie persisted in ensuring a glorious ending for our precious sister. Our hearts are broken, but we allow ourselves to softly smile knowing that Judy is confidently striding through the pearly gates, her head high, chest out, arms outstretched as Mom, Dad, and Billy eagerly reunite with their little girl. Judy is survived by her siblings: Debbie (Robert Trudeau), Mike (Janet Cameron), Donna Paterson, Gary (Kim Holden), Danny (Isabelle Depelteau), Suzanne (Éric Blais), Anna Shannon (née Kyrtatas), James (Maude Leblond), Mark, Johnny (Melissa Wreford), and Joanne (Robert Julien); and her 31 nephews and nieces whom she adored. She was predeceased by her mother, Joan Shannon (née Kersgaard); her father, William Atherton Shannon; and her brother, William John Shannon. A celebration of Judy's spectacular life will be held in the fall in Montreal.