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Alyn Shannon Obituary

On November 10, 2010 52, Went Peacefully to Heaven Alyn Shannon, 52, went peacefully to heaven with members of her family by her side at her White Bear Lake Home. A celebration of Alyn's life of love is planned for Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 10 am until noon at the White Bear Lake Campus of Eagle Brook Church, 2401 East Buffalo Street, Highway 61. Alyn's husband, Jeff Gacek, her sons, Jeffrey and Djovany, warmly invite family and friends to join us in this celebration. No flowers, please. Alyn's wish was for all memorials to be in the form of a donation to healinghaiti.org, the faith-inspired mission serving Haiti's poorest and most vulnerable, that she and her beloved husband Jeff founded.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Nov. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Alyn Shannon

Not sure what to say?





Diane Teeters

June 26, 2011

Dear Family,
I just registered fop our 35 Year High School Reunion.
I clicked on the 'In Memoriam' section and was devastated to see Alyn's name listed.
I'm so profoundly sorry for you all.
Love and prayers,
Diane Teeters

November 24, 2010

some people spend there whole live time and never meet a person as special as Alyn like carroll said she was one of a kind.If she was a friend you were Blessed.Alyn is not sick any more.She is not lost not missing she is where God wants her to be with Him but I know she is looking forward to seeing us all again so take a little bit of Alyns life every day and apply to your life every day and lead a good life and Alyn and you will meet again

jeffrey Shannon

November 24, 2010

some people spend there whole live time and never meet a person as special as Alyn like carroll said she was one of a kind.If she was a friend you were Blessed.Alyn is not sick any more.She is not lost not missing she is where God wants her to be with Him but I know she is looking forward to seeing us all again so take a little bit of Alyns life every day and apply to your life every day and lead a good life and Alyn and you will meet again

Debbie Kuehn

November 22, 2010

Alyn and I were friends for 26 years. We met in 1984 when working at a small computer software company in Eagan. I knew the minute we were introduced that it would be a lifelong friendship. We worked together there on many projects as designer and writer. It was during this time that Alyn conceived of The Clearance Club, at first just a membership of three: her, me and Dorothy, our typesetter. The idea was that we first shopped for great deals on fabulous clothes (a skill Alyn had perfected), and then we’d go somewhere to eat and talk. Soon the actual shopping took a backseat and we’d just go out to eat and talk then shop if we had time. Finally, we scrapped the shopping all together and stopped pretending The Clearance Club was anything except an excuse to get together with our best girl friends and just gab. This went on for years. Soon The Club got larger and you could maybe find 7 or 8 of us laughing, chatty “girls” sitting at a round table at Red Lobster, driving our server nuts, but having the time of our lives. Again, her idea, her vision, her inspiration is what pulled together a group of strangers and turned them into great friends.

We both left that company in the late 80s and Alyn went on to establish herself as one of the pre-eminent graphic designers in the Twin Cities. We continued working together on projects. One of my favorite was one Alyn conceived, of course, called, “Women of the Road,” a beautiful bound book of photos with captions about women who were bikers but who did not fit the stereotype of what a female biker is. In her intro, next to her characteristically beautiful smiling face, was written: “Hi, I’m Alyn Shannon. Harley rider. Mother. Wife. Daughter. Sister. Graphic designer. I’m doing this book because as one of the growling legion of women bikers, I don’t see much out there that represents me. There’s more to women of the road than what the advertisements portray. Women of the road are strong and individualistic. And they each have a unique story to tell. I bought my first motorcycle from my dad in 1976. Now I ride side by side next to my husband. I have met wonderful people on this journey. I have developed many close relationships. People who ride are genuine and generous in their efforts to help you when you need it. There is an instant bond among bikers because you travel the road. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living. Or what set of rules you live by. Be true to your self.”

Alyn, my dear friend, you are a true “Woman of the Road” and you have always been a trailblazer. I know you have started your newest journey now and I will miss you dearly. But I know you will always be watching over me.

Lisa Bond

November 21, 2010

Dear Jeff and boys,

I had just learned of Alyn's illness last week and am deeply saddened to hear today that she passed away. I will always remember her kindness and trusting ways and generosity. Too young to leave this world and so much to share. Your family is in my thoughts during this time.

Jim and Ronna Beal

November 21, 2010

Dear Jeff and family,
Alyn was someone we were instantly drawn to, she made us feel instantly as if we part of your own family, and we were just friends of friends. She had a gift for sharing her incredible energy with those around her and we were so sad to hear the news of her passing. May there be a day for you all soon when the smiles outnumber the tears, until then, allow yourselves the tears. We wish you all strength and peace in the days ahead. Much love,

Andrea

November 20, 2010

Dear Jeff and Alyn's loved ones~
When I was in Alyn's presence, I felt I was in the company of someone very special. Her gentle ways and compassionate words gave comfort during our family's time of loss. Our hearts are so sad she has left this world, but like so many, I know she is with her God and she is radiant. Rejoice at the celebration and reunion of loved ones in heaven, dear Alyn and rest well.

Kathy Blegen-Huntley

November 18, 2010

On behalf of the staff and families at East Metro Women's Council we are deeply saddened at your loss. Alyn was a great supporter of our work, she helped many families improve their lives.

MaryJo Schultz

November 16, 2010

Jeff and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your family.

Amanda Bryan

November 16, 2010

Alyn was the most inspiring person, she was so beautiful inside and out. She gave me the strength to face so much in life and will be greatly missed. You and your family will be in my prayers.

The Slomkowski's

November 16, 2010

Dear Jeff and family,

So sorry for your loss, Alyn will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Raquel Berg

November 16, 2010

A beautiful person now lives among angels. My deepest sympathy Jeff, Jon and family. I feel blessed to have known Alyn, both in working together and enjoying some good laughs over dinner and drinks. Memories of Karaoke at your house that will last forever. Her talents always amazed me, along with her great love of God. Jeff, I pray you will find peace and continue the journey you started together.

Shelley Bauer

November 15, 2010

The gift of Alyn's artistry will continue to remind so many of us as we wear her creations, of the beautiful person she was and how she touched our hearts with her generosity, humble attitude and compassion for those she encountered. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Jeff and family.

Aaron Roth

November 15, 2010

Dear Jeff and family,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Tim & Carolyn Bonanno

November 15, 2010

Please accept our sincere and deep sympathy for your loss. From her cousin.

Lorena and Scott Frampton

November 15, 2010

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Sandra Elftmann

November 15, 2010

I went to school with Alyn, and I was saddened to hear of her passing. Her work in Haiti is wonderful and her legacy will live on. My condolences to family and friends.

Scott Halverson

November 15, 2010

On behalf of all of the members of The Traditionals Car Club of Minnesota, I extend our deepest sympathies to Jeff and the entire family.

Scott Halverson
Founder
The Traditionals Car Club of MN

LeAnn Grant

November 15, 2010

I went to school with Alyn and I am very sorry for your loss. It sounds like she has a great legacy that she is leaving in good hands. God Bless you through this hurt time.

Kathy Diaby

November 15, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, Jeff. Alyn was inspirational during her life, and her good work on this earth will continue on as she watches from above.

Ann Hammond

November 15, 2010

Jeff and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Alyn. She was such a dear friend. She was my rock when I was going thru breast cancer. She was such an inspiration to so many people. My prayers go out to you and your families. Alyn will be greatly missed by so many people.

Dear Jeff, Alyn was a great inspiration to all! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jacqui Jarnes

November 15, 2010

Tom Brunberg

November 15, 2010

I send my deepest sympathy to all of your family Jeff. I pray that your heart and the hearts of your family will heal in time. With the greatest sympathy and respect, Tom Brunberg

Cheri Grothaus

November 15, 2010

Alyn was one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met, and was an inspiration to me in many ways. My heart goes out to you and your family, Jeff. She will be missed. With love, Cheri Grothaus (Kinzer)

Deb and Scott Sherman

November 14, 2010

Dear Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. Scott and I work with Alyn at the coffee shop and had always enjoyed seeing her. I have seen her in pictures in Haiti and the love she shared for them was apparent. I know they will miss her as well. I am so sad that she is gone from us, but know God will take great care of her. May God help heal your loss.

Mike & Candee Alexander

November 14, 2010

Please accept our sincere and deep sympathy for your loss.

Dorothy Goodwin

November 14, 2010

I am so saddened by the news of Alyn's passing. She was a cherished friend, and though much younger, was a wonderful mentor with her positive outlook, loving demeanor and sense of humor. I am blessed to have shared a very small part of her life.
Dorothy Goodwin, Lakeville, MN

November 14, 2010

Jeff and family, I am so sorry to hear of Alyn's passing. Her work in Haiti,as we all know, was so very important to her and the poor people of that desperate country. Phyllis Sheehan

Courage Center

November 14, 2010

On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences on the loss of Alyn. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Roberta

November 13, 2010

I never met Alyn, but my dear friend Deb spoke of her often, so I know that she was a beautiful, loving human being, who will be greatly missed.

Deb Holt

November 13, 2010

I will miss Alyn's beautiful giving heart. She touched so many people with her love and caring. God gave her so many wonderful gifts that she shared with those close to her and the people in Haiti. Her faith inspired jewelry shows how much she loved the Lord and has made a very large difference in the lives of those lucky enough to be cared for by her mission, HealingHaiti.org. I feel so blessed to have been a little part of her life. Thank you for sharing Haiti with me and Eliora. We love you Alyn. Till we meet again.

Chris Malecek

November 13, 2010

Jeff: So sorry for your loss. It was my great good fortune to have the opportunity to work with Alyn (and you!) so many years ago now. She was always fair, fun, kind and a wonderful friend and colleague.

Steve, Kara, Noah & Micah Stoerzinger

November 13, 2010

We know full well the confidence we have in Christ, that someday we will see Alyn again. Jesus has welcomed her home with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant"! Alyn's legacy will live on through Healing Haiti, and will continue to touch so many lives. We pray for you Jeff, as you faithfully serve in this beautiful mission God has granted you.

Dawn and Tim Hank

November 13, 2010

Alyn, what a beautiful soul. She had such an impact on so many people and will continue to impact all of us until we meet again in heaven. We are eternally grateful for the time we knew Alyn and could experience her love, unflagging devotion and generous heart.

We offer prayers to Jeff as he celebrates Alyn's life and walks his own grief journey.

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