Mary Jane Shannon

Mary Jane (Oosterhouse) Shannon went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 11, 2025, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born in Kalamazoo, MI on July 16, 1943, to Henry and Georgina (Harmon) Oosterhouse. Her childhood was spent in the Westnedge Hill neighborhood, and she graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1961. She then became a dental assistant for a number of years.

On May 2, 1964, she married Philip Michael Shannon who was serving in the United States Coast Guard. They lived in North Carolina where their daughter Catherine was born in 1966. Following a return move to Kalamazoo, MI in 1969, their son Michael was born.

Philip’s career opportunities moved the family to California, Illinois and back to Michigan. The family settled in Paw Paw in 1976. The Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church was where Philip and Mary found joy in serving others through singing in choir and leading Sunday school classes.

Mary’s interests were in cooking, sewing and her grandchildren. She enjoyed French cuisine and often prepared elegant crepe dinners for family and friends. She also made stylish clothes and skillfully knit cardigan sweaters and vests. Mary babysat her grandchildren and was filled with joy to watch them grow up.

She worked alongside her husband in the family dry cleaning carpet business, A Carpet’s Best Friend, for many years. Upon retirement, Philip and Mary moved to Menifee, CA and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there. After they returned to Michigan, they lived at White Oaks Retirement Residence in Lawton before transferring to Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation nursing home in Three Rivers.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law. She is survived by a daughter, Catherine (Kurt) Lucas, a son, Michael (Marsha) Shannon, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank everyone who gave excellent care to Mary. Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial gathering held at a later date. Mary will be placed to rest alongside her husband at Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park South, Kalamazoo, MI.