Our precious mother, Shonna Steele Shanahan, went peacefully to be with the Lord on January 25, 2024, at the Haven of Our Lady of Peace in Pensacola, FL, surrounded by her family who adored her.  She was born on December 22, 1941, in Portage, PA to James Rex and Faye Bernice Steele.  

     Shonna graduated from Indiana State Teachers College and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.  After that she worked as the interior decorator for Joseph Horne’s in Pittsburgh, beginning her lifelong vocation of beautifying everything she touched.  

     Shonna’s taste was exquisite, and she generously shared her talents with her family and friends.  She was so good at so many things.  She was very artistic, a superb cook, a dedicated gardener, a brilliant seamstress, and just so much fun to be around.  She was an avid reader, a total animal lover and really enjoyed birdwatching.   Her biggest passions were her family and church.  She adored her daughters and was a loving and devoted mother, daughter, Nana, wife, sister, and friend.  Throughout her life she faithfully served Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church in UMW and many other areas of ministry.  

     She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Judith Shanahan-Patterson (Gregg), Kings Mountain, NC, Allison Shanahan (Jerry Kimbrough), Pensacola, FL; granddaughters, Katie and Molly; sister and brother-in-law, Judy Gabrenas (John), Rock Hill, SC; brother, James Steele, Albuquerque, NM; also, her beloved nieces and nephews.

     Shonna will be buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in McKeesport, PA later this spring with a family graveside service celebrating her life.   

     We would like to give a special thanks to the Haven and the Serenity Wing in particular for taking such wonderful care of our cherished Mom, who took such wonderful care of us.  

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shonna’s honor to Joni and Friends Disability Ministry, Autism Pensacola, or Best Friends Animal Society.

Psalm 23

King James Version

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  ² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  ³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  ⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  ⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.