Dr Ann Shannon, July 11, 1929 — January 19, 2019

Dr. Ann Shannon passed away on January 19, 2019 at French Manor, at age 89, with friends and family close by. She was in the hearts and thoughts of those who could not be there. She was born to Ralph and Verona Shannon on July 11, 1929.

Ann loved U. of M. with a passion, animals, inuit sculptures, classical music, gardening and Charles Murphy artwork. She enjoyed a good book, working with her flowers, spending time with family and friends, and a beer now and then. She always had a dog or cat to spoil.

After retirement from U. of M. faculty in 1988, she volunteered for years at the Dennos Museum and the Traverse City Visitor Center. She spent her years before retirement, teaching at U. of M., University of Kansas and Roosevelt University, but she considered the years of work at U. of M. as an editor of the Middle English Dictionary, as a challenging opportunity to contribute to one of the most important humanistic scholarly undertakings of this century. She trained with the greats of her field, and her entries made a significant contribution to the furthering of the Middle English Dictionary, and thus to the world and reputation of the University of Michigan.

Ann was recognized with the Faculty Memoir Project as an Associate Research Editor Emeritus. Ann had a quick, dry wit and a towering intellect, while still enjoying simple pleasures. She will be missed by her brother Michael (Ann L.) Shannon and her sister Katherine (Dale) Foley; her nephew David (Evie) Shannon and nieces Patricia (Doug) Pierce and Leslie Anne Howard, and her Great Nieces, Kerry Pierce and fellow U. of M. fan Josie Anne Howard.

She will also be missed by close friends Lisa and Doreen Underwood. She endeared herself to the staff at French Manor and will be missed by them as well. Private family remembrances will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society. Arrangements by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

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