Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Shannon Swanson Obituary
October 18, 1965 - November 27, 2020
Livingston, California - Shannon Swanson passed from this world surrounded by loved ones at the family farm outside Livingston, taken by a rare form of cancer. The youngest of five siblings, Shannon was born to Calvin and Frances Swanson at Castle AFB. She attended St. Jude's School and graduated from Livingston High School in 1983. She attended San Diego State University receiving a B.S. in Psychology. San Diego remained her home base where she formed lifelong friendships, married, divorced, and established herself as an organizational planning whiz.
She moved to Washington, D.C. after accepting a position with a local Congressman. On the Hill, she excelled in constituent service, legislative development, and scheduling logistics. She took this knowledge to the private sector where she worked in the executive offices of a national environmental advocacy organization. She returned to the public sector as part of the US Department of State's Bureau of International Informational Programs.
Shannon worked for the U.S. Department of State for almost 20 years under several Secretaries of State including Colin Powell, John Kerry, and Condoleezza Rice to name a few. Shannon designed and implemented public diplomacy programs around the world and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa, and South America. She had a particular interest and expertise in women's issues, environmental issues, and science diplomacy. When in her beloved city, she spent as many days as possible at the ballpark cheering on her Nat's.
Shannon leaves behind her mother, Frances Swanson, siblings Phill (Georgina) Swanson, Steve Swanson, Angela Swanson (Paul Peterson), and Becky Swanson, nine nieces and nephews, their assorted partners, and twelve great-nieces and nephews.
Shannon's passion was service, and her mantra to make a daily contribution to bettering the world at large. In lieu of flowers, she asked that donations be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. A celebration of her life is planned for early June in DC and late July at the family farm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shannon Swanson
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Shannon Swanson's name
Memorial Events
for Shannon Swanson
Funeral services provided by:
CLOSED-Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home - Merced Location901 W. Main Street, Merced, CA 95340
How to support Shannon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Shannon Swanson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
