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Shannon Tran Obituary

Tran, Shannon Noel (Grier), 26, Spanish teacher at Brooks Technology and Arts Magnet Middle School, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2004. Service 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2801 W. 15th St. Survivors: husband, Duc; mother and stepfather, Marjorie and Paul Lillig; father and father's fiancee, Kent Grier and Jan Harrison all of Wichita; sister, Dawn Grier of Lawrence; grandparents, Janette Grier of Wichita, Robert and Betsy Wolfslau, Carol Burroughs all of St. Louis, MO. Shannon was a graduate of Wichita State University. She was a blessing and inspiration in the lives of all who knew her. She always had a great sense of humor, a positive attitude and thought of others first. She found great joy and in her membership in New Life Covenant Church. She will be loved and missed by many, including numerous in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece and a nephew. She was grateful to the many people who contributed to her lung transplant fund. Those funds will be used to help someone else. A memorial has been established with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Broadway Mortuary.

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Published by Wichita Eagle from Mar. 9 to Mar. 10, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Shannon Tran

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shannon holland

April 19, 2004

some times in life, we are lucky enough to meet extraordinary people who inspire us long after we part our separate ways. for me, shannon was one of those people. although we spoke infrequently after our high school graduation, i thought about our memories often. i will always treasure our time together and remember our visit this past summer as a truly wonderful memory. her courageous struggle, hidden behind a beautiful smile, continues to instill in me a new appreciation for life. all my love to those who knew her, who will most certainly grieve their loss but always cherish the remarkable gift of knowing her.



shannon holland

Travis & Megan Cunningham

March 15, 2004

When reflecting on the time my wife and I had shared with Shannon. We could come up with only one answer. Shannon was an Angel. She always carried a smile and loved to laugh especially on monopoly night. We feel blessed to have known her even for the short time we did. She will be missed! Our love to all those who were touched by her spirit.

Audrey Simon

March 15, 2004

Dear Margie, Kent, Dawn, and Duc,

I am so sorry to hear about Shannon. Her and Dawn were so funny together. We had some really good times. As a highschool friend of Dawn I got to know Shannon and even Duc. Shannon always seem to make everyone laugh or throw in a sarcastic comment when everyone was being serious. Her and Dawn always seemed so strong. I know she left an impact to everyone she was around. I am more privileged to have known Shannon and her wonderful family. My prayers are with you.

Susan Grier

March 15, 2004

Kent and Jan...Chuck and I were so sorry to hear of Shannon's death. We were out of town...Carolyn Grier brought the news to us..Please know that Chuck's and my thought's and prayer's are with your entire family...Susie Grier

duc tran

March 14, 2004

i was serachin for my bible at the condo after the funeral one afternoon. i had yet to really have a chance to get back to the house since her hospital stay. i was looking for some books and things that had been rearranged by family and friends that had help shannon and i get new carpet in the house. which was the very nice and i thank all of those that had been so awesome, encouraging and helpful all these really hard years. i ran across my bible with a journal that belonged to shannon. there was only one entry. "GROWING UP IS HARD FOR ANYONE, BUT ADD A LIFE THREATENING DISESE AND IT BECOMES AN ABSOLUTE FIGHT. I ALWAYS KNEW I WAS "DIFFERENT." WHAT I DID NOT KNOW WAS THAT ONE DAY I WOULD VALUE THIS UNIQUENESS.

BY THE TIME I WAS THREE-MONTHS OLD I WAS LOSING WEIGHT, GAUNT, AND CRYING CONSTANTLY. THE DOCTOR WOULD TELL MY MOTHER THAT THIS WAS NORMAL AND NOT TO WORRY. ONE NIGHT WHILE MY REGULAR DOCTOR WAS OUT OF TOWN MY MOTHER AND FATHER TOOK ME TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THE CRYING AND DIAHREA HAD BECOME UNBEARRABLE. THE DOCTOR LOOKED ME OVER AND IMMEDIATLY HAD A SUSPESION. AFTER A SALT CHLORIDE TEST MY PARENTS WERE GIVEN THE GRAVE NEWS.. "SHE HAS CYSTIC FYBROSIS- A GENETIC RESPIRATORY DISEASE. SHE'LL BE LUCKY TO LIVE TO BE TWO-YEARS OLD . "THERE WAS AND IS NO CURE FOR C.F. THANKS TO GOD AND MEDICINE I HAD A FAIRLY NORMAL CHILDHOOD. OTHER THAN AT TIMES GETTING GRIEF FROM IGNORANT CHILDREN I WAS COMFORTED THAT PEOPLE COULD NOT TELL THAT I HAD THIS FRUSTRATION DISEASE. BY THE TIME I GRADUATED HIGH-SCHOOL MY HEALTH CHANGED DRASTICALLY. FOR TWO YEARS MY LUNG FUNCTION KEPT DROPPING NO MATTER WHAT I TRIED. I WAS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR I.V. ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT. I WOULD LIE IN BED AND WANT TO SCREAM AND CRY, BUT COULDN'T BREATH WELL ENOUGH TO DO SO. I COULD LITERALLY FEEL MY LIFE SLIPPING OUT OF MY HANDS NO MATTER HOW TIGHTLY I HELD ON. I WOULD SCREAM AND CRY OUT TO GOD- WHEN I HAD THE ENERGY, IN FRUSTRATION. WHY ME? WHY DID I HAVE TO SUFFER, AND NOT ENJOY LIFE WHEN OTHERS TOOK THEIRS FOR GRANTED. I SOMETIMES WISHED GOD WOULD TAKE MY LIFE FROM ME AND STOP THE UNBEARABLE PAIN DEEP WITHIN MY SOUL. FOR THE LONGEST TIME I WANTED ANSWERS, BUT WASN'T WILLING TO LISTEN. I CHOSE TO ACT INDIFFERENT AND UNSYMPATHETIC TO MY NEEDS. AFTER YEARS OF GROWING UP AND REALIZING THAT DESTROYING MYSELF WAS NOT THE ANSWER, I DID FINALLY STOP AND LISTEN. THAT WAS WHEN A LIGHT BULB WENT OFF INSIDE OF ME. THAT VERY DIFFERENCE IN ME WAS MY UNIQUENESS, MY OWN PERSONAL PLACE TO FIND WHO I WAS. I BEGAN CATERING TO MY NEEDS. RESTING WHEN I NEEDED, DOING MY TREATMENTS I LOOKED AROUND ME AND SAW SO MANY WOMEN WHO SEEMED HURTING AND UNSURE OF WHO THEY WERE. I KNOW THAT THE DISEASE I ONCE, AND STILL AT TIMES, DESPISED WAS WHO I WAS AND BECAUSE I CHOSE THE PATH TO DO SOMETHING POSITIVE IN MY LIFE I FOUND MYSELF. I STILL SIGH A DEEP BREATH WHEN I REFLECT ON HOW FAR I'VE COME. CONSTANTLY WE ARE TOLD BY LIFE TO BE LIKE WHAT IS COOL, AND POPULAR, AND WE STOP LISTENING TO OURSELVES. I INSIST ON HAVING "ME" TIME EVEN IN THE SMALLEST AMOUNTS EVERY DAY NOW. ITS SOOTHING, RELAXING,AND BALANCING FOR MY BODY. I STILL HAVE MOMENTS WHERE I CRY OUT TO GOD FRUSTRATED, BUT NOW I AM WILLING TO LISTEN TO THE ANSWER. AS LONG AS WE ARE LOOKING OUTWARD FOR ANSWERES WE WILL ALWAYS BE LET DOWN. WHEN WE STOP AND LOOK INWARD TRUE HEALING CAN START TO TAKE PLACE.



Shannon Grier Tran July 1999



Psalms 46:1-2



God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way



God, You are my refuge and strengh, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam the mountains quake with their surging.....I will be still and know You are God. You, Lord Almighty are with me.



Shannon shined my life with light and happiness, she thought me with great faith and confidence and trust in me, the same confidence i saw in her. thank you to all those friends and family that shares this time of despair but through all this comes a time to prosper and live life for those who loves us. thank you.

duc m. tran









SHANNON GRIER TRAN

Mindi Moore (Meyer)

March 14, 2004

My mom always told me that out of all the friendships you make in school, you are lucky if you come away with one true friend. Well, my one friend that I stayed in contact with from school was Shannon and my mom was right, I am lucky. I am lucky to have known such a fun-loving, honest, inspiring person. I will always have fond memories of Shannon; from my wedding day to hers, from junior high to college and every sleepover, lunch date and giggle session in between. My greatest regret is that Shannon missed seeing my daughter's birth by four days. But someday, I will tell Samantha Shannon about her personal angel that watches over her from above. Thank you to all of her family who came to see us in the hospital. You will never know how much it means to me for you to be able to share in our joy in this time of intense sorrow. Shannon, you will always be in our hearts. Te amo mi amiga mejor!

Don Sailing

March 12, 2004

I found out about her death after TV coverage of the funeral. I have a lot of great memories of hanging out with her and working together. She really seemed to always live life to the fullest despite her illness. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Terri Goforth

March 12, 2004

Dawn and Margie

I didn’t receive the notice of Shannon’s passing until Thursday, so we weren’t able to attend the services. I have sweet memories of Shannon and Dawn with the youth at Central. I’m sorry for your loss, but am thankful that we don’t grieve as those without hope and I pray for God’s comfort to you as you go through this time. Shannon is a beautiful angel!!

Our love and prayers are with you - Terri, April, and Joel Goforth

Martina Tomlinson (Villalobos)

March 12, 2004

I would like to say how heartbreaking it was to hear about Shannon.I just want to share a few words that have been on my mind. Shannon was just briefly in my life, until now I didn't understand the impact she would have on me. When I heard Shannon's story on the news my heart sank, all I could think was why, as probably anyone who had met her asked themselves. Shannon helped and inspired so many people in her life as a daughter, sister, wife, teacher, friend and angel. In the past days she has made me want to be a better person and to reach out to others, it was truly an honnor to be in her life. I know Shannon will continue to inspire us even as we try to go on.

With all my heartfelt sorrow,

Martina Tomlinson (Villalobos)

Alexess Rea

March 11, 2004

Shannon was a close friend at Goddard High School. I think of her often and am blessed to have had her light in my life. She will always be an inspiration to me. My sincere condolences to her family.

Kent Grier

March 11, 2004

Shannon, you are already so deeply missed. I fell so deeply in love with you from the time you were born through the time you left this planet. You were always stronger than me and were a true inspiration in my life. I have never met someone so strong, and yet so delicate. Your love of life and your family was unmatched and you will be missed. I love you so much, Dad

Deb Johnson

March 10, 2004

Shannon was a courageous, beautiful young woman who touched my life as I'm sure she touched so many. That she lived so long against tremendous odds is a testament to the wonderful love and care she got from her parents, Kent and Marge. My heart goes out to you both and to Dawn. Shannon will be greatly missed and always in my heart.

Jennifer Ngo

March 10, 2004

Mrs.Tran was a great teacher to be acquainted with.I miss her dearly and still cannot believe she is gone.My prayers and condolences sends out to her family and her husband.She will be missed by her students,former students and many staff members at Brooks Middle School.

Jim and Judy Baxter

March 10, 2004

Kent, Margie and Dawn - We are so sorry to hear about Shannon. We found out too late to make it to the funeral. I can't help remembering the good times we use to have sipping coffee, spinning vinyls and watching you go through your routine with the girls before their bedtime. May God richly bless you. Love, Jim and Judy

Alison and William Brookins

March 10, 2004

Kent, Jan and family - you're in our prayers. Please accept our sympathy on your loss. We can't begin to understand your grief, but please know our thoughts are with you.



Alison, William and Jayden

David Higday

March 10, 2004

Shannon was a joy to know. A wonderful woman and friend.



Dave

Jeannie (Hobson) Scott

March 10, 2004

Kent, Margie, Dawn and other loved ones, My thoughts and prayers are with you. My family went to South Emporia BC with you many years ago. (Mary Hobson is my mother) I remember both Shannon and Dawn as sweet and precious girls. I remember your struggles with their health even then. My family and our church will continue to pray for grace and peace to carry you through the days ahead. With sincere love and empathy,

Terry, Jeannie, Brian, Alena and Kaylee Scott

Harley Dyer

March 10, 2004

Shannon and Natasha spent time together going to school in Goddard.I can't imagine the pain and sorrow your family is experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Harley & Miki Dyer

Rachel Fletcher

March 10, 2004

Shannon and I got to know each other through the CF Clinic. We were both waiting for transplant, and I considered her my transplant buddy, someone I could share my CF troubles with would understood what it was like; I tried to do the same for her. I'm so sorry that she is gone, and that I can't be there to give her family my condolences in person. She was a sweet girl, and I know she will be sorely missed by all. She and her family are in my thoughts.

cheri willems (voshell)

March 9, 2004

You will be greatly missed. Your encouragement for my daughter Amy Voshell was so wonderful. From our family to yours our prayers are with you. I know you and Ame are having a wonderful time together in heaven. My love to your family.

Eric Kidwell

March 9, 2004

I did not really get a chance to know Shannon, except through Jan and Kent; but her beautiful spirit radiated about her. God speed Shannon.

MICU STAFF

March 9, 2004

FROM ALL THE STAFF OF MICU WHO HAD

THE PRIVILEGE OF TAKING CARE OF SHANNON, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER AND ALSO WITH HER LOVED ONES IN THEIR TIME OF NEED.

Kirk David

March 9, 2004

I loved Shanon, she was so much fun, happy and caring. She will always be an inspiration to me. My love to her Father my dear friend, and the entire family. May her memory be eternal.

Pam (LaBrue) Layman

March 9, 2004

I had the privledge of knowing Shannon growing up in Goddard. I will always remember that whenever I saw her, she had a smile that lit up the sky. Shannon, you will be missed and I would like your family to know that they will be in my prayers.

Friends in Christ,



Pam Layman

Christi Ellis

March 9, 2004

My husband and I met Shannon through Carlos O'Kelly's. She was a wonderful person who always looked on the bright side of things. She was so pleasant to be around. Our hearts go out to you.

Michelle Ogden (Andrews)

March 9, 2004

I'm going to miss Shannon. I was friends with her from the day we met working at McDonalds. As the years went on, we grew apart and started our own lives. I am happy though that I sent her a Christmas card in 2002 & we ended up talking a few times after that. She came over and shared her Wedding memories with me & helped me prepare myself, mentally, for my own wedding. I know she was extremely happy with her family and new husband and I could never have guessed she would meet Jesus this soon. Shannon, you will be missed. I will never forget you.

Your friend, forever,

Michelle

Diann Richards

March 9, 2004

Although I taught with Shannon at Brooks, I am sorry I was unable to get to know her better. She will be missed by both students and staff.

Tim and Marilee Wiesner

March 9, 2004

Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. Our prayers are with you.

Charles Shirley

March 9, 2004

I was a student of Mrs. Tran, and liked her very much. My condolence to all of the family. My prayers are with you all.

Joni Berblinger

March 9, 2004

I went to high school with Shannon at Goddard and we graduated together. We had several classes together in high school. She was a wonderful person. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Ann Krone

March 9, 2004

I was fortunate to know Shannon through her friendship with our son, Ryan Krone. Shannon was a special, lovely lady who was always positive and cheerful. It was a priviledge to have known her. Ann

Natalie Byington (Tos)

March 9, 2004

Shannon, you will be thoroughly missed. You were a blessing to all who came upon you. You can now bless us from above and watch over us. You have gone to meet the creator. Please save a place for us.

Daniel Doornbos

March 9, 2004

Again, condolences for your loss. I feel personally blessed to have known and cared for her. I'm planning to come to the service. You are in my prayers.

Stacy Schreck

March 9, 2004

Although I never had the privilege to meet Shannon, I always heard wonderful things about her. I know her other half, Duc who is a kind and special person. We just want the family to know, your in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Stacy, Michael, & Braxton

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