Shannon Josephine Schaeffer-Gerety

1939 - 2021

Shannon Josephine Schaeffer-Gerety
August 15, 1939 - May 22, 2021
Resident of Santa Cruz
Shannon Josephine Schaeffer-Gerety, died peacefully at Dominican Hospital following a devastating stroke, on May 22, 2021. She was born on August 15, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ronald and Josephine Heiner, and raised in Wichita, KS.
Shannon studied Music Education at Brigham Young University and continued on to UCLA, where she met James Turner Schaeffer and married in Los Angeles on March 16, 1963. They moved to Santa Cruz, Ca in 1966, where James had gained employment at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Shannon emersed herself into service to the community. She served as a member of the board of Santa Cruz City Parks and Recreation for several years, and as the G.A.L.S. (Girls Athletic League Softball) treasurer. She was able to contribute hundreds of hours of service through the Omega Nu Sorority. She joined this charitable sorority in 1974, became a life member in 1994, and was an honorary member thereafter. Shannon served as the Omega Nu President from 1984-1985 and organized many notable events such as the Magnolia Ball, Greek Dinner, and English Pub Night; all of which raised money for scholarships. She also played a vital role in the annual rummage sale, Ducky Derby, and Follies productions over the years.
She was always surrounded by friends and family and active in a variety of social groups such as the Silver Seas, Uptown Ladies, along with knitting groups and book clubs. Her calendar was always full of luncheons, parties, charitable events, and family activities. In her free time, she could be found playing the piano, doing needlepoint or cross stitch, or baking her famous pies.
Shannon was a woman of faith and dedicated to volunteer work in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Santa Cruz Ward. She served as Relief Society President, Young Women's President and Primary President. She also shared her musical talents as accompanist for the Primary and organist for the congregation.
After the passing of her first husband, she reunited with her high school sweetheart, Richard Gerety and married on Dec 7, 2013, which brought her much joy and love. She is survived by her husband of 8 years, Richard Gerety, her three daughters and sons-in law, Tiffany and Michael McMurdie of Pleasanton, Ca, Shauna and John Horton of Soquel, Ca, and Colleen and J.R. Cummings of Heber City, Utah. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren; Sydney (Mitchell) Mosser, Matthew McMurdie, Hannah Bossard, Joshua McMurdie, Nicholas McMurdie, Wyatt Cummings, Kash Cummings, and Nash Horton. She also leaves Richard's children, Rick (Jennifer) Gerety, and Karin (Todd) Johnson, and their children and grandchildren.
Shannon also leaves behind her beloved poodles, Roman and Ruby Rose.
Shannon's humor and quick wit will be missed as well as her poise and grace that was evident in all she did. We will always appreciate her example of service and love that she shared with all of us. At her request, there will not be a formal service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Omega Nu Scholarship Fund:
Omega Nu of Santa Cruz, P.O. Box 1696, Santa Cruz, CA 9506, omeganusc@gmail.com


View the online memorial for Shannon Josephine Schaeffer-Gerety