Heidi Shanahan Obituary
Heidi was born on October 27, 1939 in Selligsdorf, Germany, a daughter of the late Gottfried and Hildegard (Porath) Uecker, the family settled in Wertheim, West Germany. Heidi met Thomas Shanahan in Germany and followed him back to the United States after his deployment. Heidi and Tom were married on November 28, 1959 in Peoria. Tom preceded her in death on November 7, 2006.
Heidi is survived by her children, Mark (Deborah) Shanahan, Christine (Jon Allred) Gresham, and Erin (Judy) Shanahan, eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one on the way, as well as her brother, Rudiger (Anita) Uecker.
Heidi was a longtime devoted member of St. Mark's Catholic Church and attended mass regularly. She will be remembered fondly by the many families' who entrusted her with developing their important memories and photos at both Walgreens and World Drug Pharmacies in Peoria for over 30 years.
Heidi was active in the German American Society for many years. She enjoyed reading, opera, theater and especially rooting for her St. Louis Cardinals.
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at St. Mark's Catholic Church. Fr. Bernard Obeng-Guyamfi will officiate and burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Picket Fence Foundation, 310 N Fourth St, Chillicothe, IL 61523 or St. Mark's Catholic Parish in Peoria, IL.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
8 Entries
Deirdre Kloth
March 8, 2026
My sincere condolences to Mark and Debbie and your entire family.
Love you cousins!
May God´s perpetual light shine upon
Your Mother, Mark.
Deirdre Kloth
Nancy Lamport
March 7, 2026
I truly enjoyed getting to know Heidi and talking with her. She had a delightful personality. We had fun playing bingo and making crafts. I enjoyed hearing about her family and her life in Germany and her move to the US. I will miss her.
Sara Wills
March 7, 2026
Heidi was absolutely delightful to talk with. She could share interesting and informative memories from her past and Heidi´s past was not all pleasant considering her timing and location. Heidi remained positive regardless and never tired sharing her stories. She is a true blessing and we will all miss her.
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Ronda C
March 7, 2026
Oh my little Heidi Hoo Hoo. It was an honor to meet you and care for you. You will forever be in my heart. My sympathy to your family. I'll drink a glass of wine in your memory. With Love Ronda C RN
Margie Stein
March 7, 2026
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Heidi was a loving person, she will be missed.
Margie Stein
Asaja Wright
March 6, 2026
I will miss you so much Heidi so glad I got to love and care for you ! You will be missed
Sharon Weiss
March 6, 2026
Frau Shanahan was a gentle and kind woman. I taught her three wonderful children German at AOL/SI, and what a beautiful woman and mother. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of Christ, rest in peace. Amen. -Sharon Weiss
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