Helen (Kneeland) Shannon
World WarII Medical Corp. Nurse
Mrs.Helen Dora(Kirane, Kneeland) Shannon widow of William Shannon, died peacefully after a brief illness on October 6,200 at Radius Northwood Health Care Center –Lowell,MA.
Helen was predeceased by her beloved husbands and brothers and is survived by the family of Gladys and John Monahan - including Michael Monahan, her devoted care giver and his partner Bruce Costos of Chelmsford, Elizabeth Trask and Joan Soucy of Sutton, John Monahan of Upton, Stephen Monahan of Leicester, and sister to George and William Kirane
Mrs Shannon was born January 9, 1920 in the County of Halstead- Lancashire, England . and was the daughter of Patrick and Susan (Halstead) Kirane .
She was educated at the Manchester Royal Academy in Lancashire, England where she became a Registered Nurse. During World War II, Mrs. Shannon was a nurse in the Medical Corp where she met and married her first husband, Stanley James Kneeland of Worcester, MA. which lasted until his passing in 1978. Shortly, after her marriage, she immigrated to the United States and settled with her husband in Worcester, MA. At this time, she and her husband James developed a deep and abiding friendship with Gladys and John Monahan of Worcester which lasted a lifetime and carried on into the adult lives of their children. Helen often talked of those years with great fondness and appreciation.
On June 18,1948, Helen became a naturalized citizen of the United States, an accomplishment which made her very proud; however she never forgot her heritage and early years in England. Helen was a dedicated communicant of St Stephen’s Church of Worcester where she was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary, often devoting her time to the needs of others.
Throughout the years Helen volunteered for the American Red Cross, St Vincent Hospital and the RSVP Program of Worcester. She was an avid crafter and shared her talent for knitting and crocheting with friends and neighbors. In August 1982 she married William Shannon of Worcester. Together, they traveled throughout the United States with return trips to England which were very memorable for them both. For years to come, after her husband William became a resident of Salisbury Nursing Home, she donated her handmade articles to each resident for the Holiday Season . She will be remembered for her dedication and thoughtfulness toward others.
Her funeral was held today from FAZIO FUNERAL HOME, 9 Branch St. Worcester, with a private prayer service in the Funeral Home. Interment was in St John’s Cemetery. Funeral arrangements under the direction, Louis M. Fazio Jr. and Louis M. Fazio III, directors. For condolences or directions, please visit our website at faziofuneralhome.com