Shannon Leslie

Shannon Marian Clare Leslie, age 55, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at her home in Carol Stream, Illinois, after a courageous fight with cancer. Shannon was born to Janet (nee Klean) and James Leslie on July 30, 1969, in Chicago, IL. Shannon was welcomed home in Elmwood Park, IL, the youngest of 5 siblings, by her big brothers Jimmy and Jeff and big sisters Lori and Kathy. She grew up in Elmwood Park and Hillside, IL, attending Proviso West High School. Shannon later lived in Westchester and Naperville, IL, where she made many new friends and connections within her communities.
Shannon's bright spirit, positive aura, and tenacious personality made her beloved by many. Her infectious laugh could fill a room, and anyone who knew her couldn't help but laugh along with her. Shannon had a great love for so many things that light up the world: flowers, hummingbirds, butterflies, animals, music, and photography. The beautiful things she loved most in life were reflected in her beautiful spirit, and the thing she loved the most of all was her family. Shannon was a dedicated caretaker and fierce protector of her grandmother, Marian, dear aunt Ginny, and mother, Janet. She gave everything within her to provide the best life for them, always with the most strength, love, and selflessness she could offer. Shannon also was the quintessential little sister, cool aunt, and fun cousin an ally, a confidant, a sometimes-mischief-maker, an inspiration, a good time, and a very best friend. Shannon's spirit was always a party of positivity and laughter that will be deeply missed.
Remaining to cherish Shannon's memory are her mother, Janet Leslie; sisters, Lori Blahut and Katherine Leslie; uncle Gary & aunt Judy Klean; nieces and nephews, Daniele (Jeffrey) Wean, Erin (Charles) Syperski, Robert (Shannon) Blahut, and Lucy (Nick) Dallen; great nieces and nephews, Lily and Vivian Wean, Henry and Audrey Syperski, Sadie Blahut, and Oliver Dallen; along with her extended family and friends. Shannon is preceded in death by her father, James Leslie; brothers, James and Jeffrey Leslie; cousin Timothy Klean; grandparents, Oliver and Marian Klean; and her dear aunt, Virginia Klean.
A Celebration of Life will be held privately at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shannon's name to the American Bird Conservancy at abcbirds.org/donate .
A special note from Shannon's sister, Kathy: I will miss my Sister Shannon deeply; we were the closest sisters, and we shared enormous laughter, memories, and trips together. She loved to tell me what to do; she always said she was right and I was wrong, lol. We decided that even though she was the younger sister, we would officially call her the big sister! Watching her first-hand fight cancer was heartbreaking. I took her to every chemo treatment; she was relentless in the fight, a true warrior! She loved her life so much, and she'd do anything to keep it! I have to remind myself that she now has an even better life in Heaven; she's in a beautiful garden, surrounded by her loved ones and her beautiful hummingbirds! My love for you will always be as big as the ocean! Thank you for being my best friend in the world; I will always be proud to have been your sister! I will see you again someday, til then I hold you dearly in my heart! Shannon, I love you always!