Mary Jane Shanahan-Koch

Mary Jane Shanahan-Koch, 79, Woodstock, died Sept. 7, 2013, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, surrounded by her daughters.

She was born July 24, 1934, in Chicago to Daniel J. and Lorraine A. (LaVigne) Shanahan. 

She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary Church in Woodstock.  She attended Trinity High School in River Forest.  She was employed as a receptionist for Dr. Leo Reyes for many years.  

She loved politics and was a staunch Republican. She was passionate about her Cairn terriers, Mattie and Mitzi, but she received her greatest joy in life by spending time with her daughters, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members.

Survivors include six daughters, Sharon (Mark) Adams, Woodstock, Kathryn Olson, Woodstock, Brenda (Chris) Kaepplinger, Woodstock, Cynthia (Dean) Petersen, Lexington, SC., Terry McCabe, Portland, Ore., and Amy (Tim) Hansen of Woodstock;  10 grandchildren, Kara (Sean) Ernst, Jackie (Conor) Casey, Nicole (Brian) Creighton, Christopher Petersen, Jonathon Petersen, Garrett Petersen, Aidan McCabe, Megan Hansen, Carter Hansen and Jack Hansen; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte Creighton, Anabelle Creighton, and Leighton Casey; a sister, Patricia Fare, Carlsbad, Calif.; two brothers, Dennis (Corinne) Shanahan, Fairhope, Ala., and Terry (Kathy) Shanahan, Bloomington; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Al Olson; and a brother-in-law, Claude Fare.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. A prayer vigil is scheduled at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at 9:30 a.m., with the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at St. Mary Church, Woodstock.  

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Woodstock.

Memorials to any animal shelter of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.