Shannon Marie Kennedy

Kennedy's family, Tom and Polly Fenig here, we are so very to hear the sad news. While we never met her, it is clear she was an inspiration to many---especially as she battled cancer.

Good bye my friend. Although we only knew each other for a short few years, we connected like " Work soul mates". I am so grateful that our paths crossed and will always remember the passion we shared as Marketing Directors for the furniture industry. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kennedy family. Erin your mom was a great person, liked by many and respected by her peers.

I just saw this 6/6/13!! Oh my! Shannon my friend....Rest in peace and know of all the good deeds you have started here on earth. You will be missed, but never forgotten
Steve Henderson (Newport News, Va.)

So very sorry to hear about your losing Shannon. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. My heart hurts for you all.

Dear Kennedys,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have so many happy memories of Shannon, Libby, Bobby and Katie and Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy too. I do not mean to slight the younger siblings but we (the Hills) moved two houses down from the Kennedys when I was 3 (Shannon was 2) and we moved out of Winston-Salem when I was 8, so John was just a baby at the time.

We were best friends with the Kennedys! Clair and Katie were the leaders of the pact and much smarter than the rest of us. Bobby, Joel and I were best of friends (maybe Joel just slightly more than me) – lots of tackle football (one on one or two on two – not much in the way of passing (especially one on one) but lots of tackling)! And if Joel had a slight edge with Bobby, I had a slight edge with Libby and Shannon! We played house together almost every summer day. Libby was the mom, I was the dad, and Shannon was our baby (she was always such a good sport)! When we tired of “house” we would make ant forts. They are easy to make. You just push sand up in a pyramid shape and you poke one finger down the pyramid and another finger in the side of the pyramid. Then you drop ants down the top of the pyramid and watch them walk out of the side tunnel. We loved it!

Shannon and I shared battle scars too. I just looked at the arch of my right foot and with high powered reading glasses on and I could just make out the stitches I got when I stepped out of the sandbox on a piece of glass. I have not thought about those stitches in a long, long time. In my driveway under the plum tree, I was showing off to Shannon by twirling with a golf club. I thought I was doing pretty well until the golf club slipped out of my hand and hit Shannon right in the forehead! I do not remember if stitches were required but she was definitely bleeding when she ran home.

I have so many fond memories of my childhood and Shannon was a big part of them. Shannon was always cheerful and always so much fun to be with and I suspect that never changed. Libby, Katie, Hayes, Erin, and all the Kennedys, I am again so sorry for your loss.

Dear Erin, I worked with your mom at the Enterprise, while you and my Rachel were in high school. We sent you off to college at the same time, and while we didn't chat often, you were always her favorite topic of conversation. She is one of the brightest and bravest people I have had the privilege to meet - straight forward, genuine, and hilariously funny. And I will miss her terribly.

Dear Erin: Growing up in Winston Salem, your mom was a lovely, joyous and generous big sister to your Uncle John and to me. When I arrived in South Bend as a clueless freshman, she helped me find my way. I'm so sorry you and the whole world lost her so early. She added sparkle everywhere she went. --Tom Kane

Shannon will always be in my prayers. I worked with her for a short time and was just getting to really know her. We talked about our daughters and their bright futures, which brought many happy smiles to our faces. She was so proud of you, Erin.

Though I only knew Shannon for three years, she treated me like a son. She trusted me wholeheartedly with her daughter. She was an inspiration of courage in the face of extreme negativity.

I won't ever forget how special Christmas was for our small family of three, and truly wish I had expressed to her how much each one meant to me.

Thank you for opening your heart and your home to a snot nosed kid from the middle of nowhere, Alabama.

Will miss you always, Shan.

Dear Kennedy Family, We are neighbors of Katie and Mike Schafer and although we've not met, are hearts and prayers are with you. The Harding Family

My prayers for all of you and for dear Shannon. I will offer Mass for her on Sunday, June 2. With fond regards,

Jim Russell (Ben Beebe's uncle).

Dear Erin and all the Kennedys, I am so sorry for your loss. She enriched everyone's life that she came in contact with. Shannon touched my life in a way at blessed me. God bless all of you.

Dear Erin,

We are so sorry for your loss - there are no words. We remember fondly - particularly during the spring months - those afternoons and evenings watching with Shannon and the other parents,you, my girls and your BMHS teammates play soccer - good times. Your mother was always smiling - full of hope,joy, optimism, strength. There were great conversations with lots of laughs. Erin - she was SO proud of you. We hope and pray that you will find comfort from the love of family and friends. Steph and Alison send their love.

R.I.P. Shannon. A true champion - at work, at play, at friendship, at motherhood, at showing us your quiet strength and.class. Gone too soon. I'm so sorry.

Erin and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your wonderful Mom. She talked of how proud she was of you Erin and your upcoming graduation. It was an honor to know her and get to spend time with her. May you find peace in knowing how much she loved you and proud she was of the young woman you have become.
Wendy O'Kelley RN
CHCC

My condolences to each of you. I hate that I cannot be there to celebrate Shannon's life with you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My love to everyone in this great family.

Shannon was a good neighbor. I will always think of her, when sitting on my patio. My sincere condolences to the family. Lisa and Waleed Alqimlass, Brandt Village.

My sincere condolences to the family of Shannon Kennedy. We know she will be truly missed. May God bring you comfort through this most difficult time.

Dear Erin and Family,

I met Shannon while working for Komen. I am a breast cancer survivor. Shannon and I shared our treatment experiences and bonded quickly as most women in this "sisterhood" do. We appeared on TV together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2009. She was so nervous about speaking on camera, but she did a FABULOUS job! She was an outstanding advocate and "cheerleader" for other women. She was always willing to help wherever she could. Erin, she spoke of you so often, and you were her pride and joy. Your busy life and activities provided a great distraction from cancer. I also have an only child - a son. Shannon and I often discussed how you kids helped us feel "normal" during treatment. She was truly an inspiration to me and countless others. I am so, so sad and sorry for your loss, but I know there is a new "pink angel" in heaven watching over us, and we will be with her again!

Shannon was a wonderful person with so much passion and a love of life. I worked with her when she volunteered with our organization and we quickly found out that we had a lot in common. Erin and both of my children went to Bishop McGuinness so she gave me many helpful tips on high school survival. She will be missed by all who knew her.

I always admired Shannon, her vibrant and outgoing personality, her easy smile and ability to tak to anyone. Although I was just her kid sisters' friend, she always made time to talk to me and make me feel important. I never had an older sister, but if I did, Shannon would would've been my choice. Rest in peace knowing how many lives you touched!

To Shannon's family: We are sorry for your loss. We worked with Shannon in a trade show in China several years ago, she was a lovely person. We will miss her dearly.

From: NC HK Office - William Chu & Helen Ng

To Shannon's family - You don't know me. I met Shannon while volunteering. Shannon was a lovely person, probably never met a stranger. Her favorite topic was Erin, her pride and joy. Erin, your mother adored you and loved talking about you. I'm certain her spirit will live within you now. Many people have been blessed just knowing your mom. My prayers are with you.

I was good friends with Shannon in high school. Can still hear her laugh! So sorry to hear that she has passed away. Wonderful memories of our shenanigans and your family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Richart Myers

Erin:
We've never met, but your mother told me a lot about you the last time we spoke, in San Francisco. We met in college and she was one of those rare people who was forever unforgettable. Shannon was a hoot to be around, always generous with a laugh, always blunt-spoken and always ready for an adventure. From my experience, she loved her family more than anything. I was so sorry to hear this news, but know that she left a good, strong imprint on this world.

To Shannon's family - I'm so sorry for your loss and for the loss of a lovely individual in the home furnishings industry.

Dear Erin and Kennedy Family,
I worked with Shannon at Market Press and we became friends. Erin, you were a young girl when you came into the office in 2002 to see your Mom. She always lit up when she spoke about you, she loved you so! She was a strong, generous and loving person and she will live on in you! I will miss seeing her smiling face and hearing her laugh.

High Point Market will truly miss this angel...
our deepest condolences to Erin and the whole family.
Shannon will be missed.

Anthony Galante
& The Jola team

Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shannon will be greatly missed by all.
Sheri McAdams ( IMC- High Point)

Ciao bella
sempre amici
ti amo
Zig.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am a breast cancer survivor and will be walking in honor and memory of Shannon during Relay for Life on Friday, May 31. Blessings and comfort.

Hayes and family ... So very sorry to see the news this morning. Just two weeks ago I had seen the great photos of Erin's graduation on Facebook, and reconnected too briefly with Shannon there. She is gone much too soon, a wonderful woman and friend who was always full of energy and fun. The Notre Dame/St. Mary's family has lost a true jewel. Keeping you all in my prayers and wish I was there with you ...

Justo Nunez, Lake Mary, FL

Erin,
I have great memories of you and your mom when you were little and I was your babysitter. What a great and kind woman you can cherish as your mom. May God's love comfort you. God bless, Allison Applebee Lindsey

I have many fond memories of Shannon from Notre Dame. Her presence could light up an entire room. She was so much fun to be around. My condolences to her family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. While her physical presence is gone Shannon's spirit will always remain.

With my deepest sympathies - Nick Frangella

Erin and Kennedy Family, Sorry to hear about Shannon's passing. Erin, I was the Kennedys babysitter from 1969 to 1972. Shannon is a beautiful person inside and outside and she is as radiant as her mother. There is no bond like the bond between mother and daughter. My heart goes out to all of you during this sad time in your lives. My prayers are with you and the Kennedy family.

Erin I worked with and traveled with your mother when I worked at Market Press publication of High Point Enterprise. She was inspiration to all who worked with her and I am forever grateful for our time together working together as well as becoming friends. Your mother loved you dearly and was so proud of you! You are and will always be her life. She maybe gone but her love for you will live forever!!

Erin, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Erin and family,
My heart is so sad for you. I feel very blessed to have called Shannon my friend.The many good time we all shared when the girls were younger brings a smile to me. I am very glad we were able to continue our friendship as the girls got older.It is my honor to know The Kennedy family and to have been a small part of Shannon's and Erin's life. My love and prayers are with you

To one of the bravest souls I've met. Shannon always had a strength about her with a quick laugh and warm smile. I always felt special when I was around her. I will miss your encouragement and grace.

I will miss you, dearest friend. You will forever be my beacon of grace and courage. xxoo

Erin, there is no bond as great as that between a parent and child. I cannot express how heavy my heart is for you today. I have thought of the many times and memories I have of your Mother and always come back to "strong, proud and determined" woman. She was and you had the best possible role model in a Mother. If ever you need anything please don't hesitate to call on me. I still love you like you were my own.

Whenever I think of the definition of inner strength and grace in the future, the picture I will see will be the face of Shannon Kennedy. I'm proud to have known her, worked beside her and to have called her my friend.

To a wonderful friend, and a loving and devoted mom. You are so missed.