March 20, 1958 - October 16, 2015 Mary often said, "We are not here for a long time, we are here for a good time," and she lived life by that rule. Mary succumbed to cancer on Friday Oct. 16th at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA at the age of 57. Born in Kansas City, MO on March 20, 1958, to Dr. Richard and Maxine Owens, she was the youngest to three beloved siblings. She attended high school at her much-loved Notre Dame de Sion in Kansas City. Mary went west for college to Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and graduated in 1980. After graduation, and a few detours, she eventually moved to California and began working for The Capital Group. It was there that she met her future husband, "the love of my life and reason for living", R. Michael Shanahan. They married on January 16, 1999 at their home in Indian Wells. Mike and Mary were long-standing patrons of, and fierce advocates for, education and especially the arts and sciences. Mary generously devoted her time by sitting on boards and countless committees for her high school and Gonzaga University. They also generously supported Harvey Mudd College, Stanford University, the California Science Center, and Rim of the World High School. Mary loved beautiful flowers, a bright and elegant wardrobe, Rock and Roll, the perfect dessert, extreme golf cart rides, the search for the perfect pool noodle, and art projects with her grandchildren. She treasured spending time with her family and friends in Kansas City, Lake Arrowhead, Los Angeles, Indian Wells, and her annual month-long vacation at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Above all, Mary was always happiest anywhere Mike Shanahan was. Big hearted to all that knew her, she was a phenomenal and loving caregiver, and intensely fair. Her strong spirit, contagious laugh, uncommon generosity, spirited conversations, and incredible kindness will be profoundly missed. Preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Owens; Survived by her husband, R. Michael Shanahan; Stepchildren: Kathleen Fisher (Bob Gruber); Keven (Julieann) Shanahan and Rob (Julie) Shanahan; cherished "GrandMary" to: Elaine Fisher, Reilly, Ashley, Connor, Jordon, and Tessa Shanahan; Father: Dr. Richard Owens; Siblings: Mike (Amy) Owens; Nancy Hodes and her children Monica, Eric, and Emily: Julie Lise and her children Evan and Chris; and her much loved assistant, Pablo Lopez. Celebrations of Mary's Life: 1:00pm, Sunday November 15th 2015, at The Vintage Club, 75001 Vintage Club West, Indian Wells, CA 92210. Call 760-862-2002 to be put on the admittance list. Please do not wear black; Mary loved color. Additional celebration: 4:00pm, Sunday December 6th 2015 at Notre Dame de Sion, 10631 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114 Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Alzheimer's Association, Coachella Valley Office, 69-730 Highway 111, Suite 100, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Notre Dame de Sion High School, Attn: Chris Broderick: Head of School, 10631 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114, American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Many thanks to all of the caregivers in Mary's life. "Pray for me, as I will for thee, that we merrily meet in heaven" -Thomas More Arrangements made by Rose Mortuary in Palm Desert CA.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Nov. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Shanahan

7 Entries

Reta Brosnahan Saffo

March 12, 2016

I just learned that Mary has passed away. I feel sad, yet somehow know she is ok. What a tremendous loss for all who knew her. She was such a dear and deeply sincere little person. Wise beyond her years. I saw Mary rarely over the years, but we both just lighted up each time we ran into one another. Her eyes said so very much! They were kind, and nonjudgemental. They said I LOVE YOU! Her genuine smile, and the sincere interest she took in your life, was simply splendid.

My deepest condolences go out to her family. Hope to see you-- and your pretty blue eyes, on the other side, Mary.

Debi Schroth

November 14, 2015

My dear friend, you had such a talent for making those around you feel special. So generous and fun loving, I will never forget times we spent together. So proud of how you fought, you're an inspiration to me and all who love you. In my heart always.......

Molly Barari

November 9, 2015

Mary was a kind, generous soul who touched my life more than she could ever know. Thanks to her, I was able to continue with my graduate education. Thank you, cousin Mary, for all you did for me. Sending love, light and my heartfelt condolences to the rest of her family and friends.

C THOMAS

November 9, 2015

Thinking of you at this DIFFICULT TIME.I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY,BUT PLEASE KNOW THAT"ALMIGHTY GOD" WILL GIVE YOU COMFORT.1COR 1:2-4

Ana Garza

November 8, 2015

A light can never be dimmed. Shine on, Mary!

Beautiful Mary!

Leigh Chandler

November 8, 2015

In the relatively short time that Mary graced my life, I adored her! She was one of the kindest, sweetest friends I have ever known and will be terribly missed by me. Blessings to her family and all that loved her, she was magic!
"We met but briefly in life, if we touch each other with stardust - that is everything."

Nancy Fox

November 6, 2015

Oh sweet Mary, so, so many great times. Rest in peace dear one

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