Lois Faye Shannon

During a beautiful sunrise on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Lois Faye Shannon (nee Cassidy), 81, of Lehigh Acres, FL passed from this earthly realm and journeyed into the next. Her parting impacts many as did her birth on April 4, 1942 in Wilmington, Delaware. Daughter of the late Walter Cassidy and Pansy McGee Cassidy, she grew up in Pennsylvania with her two older sisters and younger brother. In 1976 she adventured to Florida with her own three daughters and son, adding another son soon after. Many warm winters and hot summers later she moved to North Carolina for a few seasons. Her favorite weather in Florida was “cold front” and thought she’d find it more plentiful there, only to discover that there’s no place like home and returned to Lehigh Acres. A place she had created many memories over the years.

Much of her career was spent in the medical field as a skilled nurse, touching many lives in the varied areas of care in which she gravitated. In the end, this love was returned tenfold. Throughout the years, Lois enjoyed spending time with family, friends, loved to entertain, and be entertained, as her laughter was sought out as a reward by many. She loved to cook for such gatherings. She was a great southern cook and her food was enjoyed by all. Other passions included reading, camping, being in the mountains, time at the beach, quilting and providing quilts to children in the hospital. Lois was a lover of furry companions. This love naturally transferred to her children as well. She found joy in the company of all of her beloved dogs, too many in her lifetime to list. But Heidi, her last, she leaves in great care, and with many grand doggies to play with. Known for her kind heart, playfulness, a feisty spirit (her granddaughter’s coined as “spicey”), and a sense of humor that echoed through her well-known phrase, “You’re not the boss of me”, Lois will be remembered as a fun, caring, giving soul who always wanted to be in the presence of people she loved.

Lois was preceded by husband, Francis (Skip) J. Shannon, III and survived by her loving children: Sharon Bierley (Joe), Debra Gaus (Sean), Lynda Szalkowski, Frank Hillman (Scott) and Francis Shannon (Deanna). She is the cherished sister of Joan Cassidy Phares (Bill) and Fred Cassidy, with Doris Cassidy Phillips (Tom) preceding her. She is also survived by loved nieces and nephews. Through her children, she leaves behind a legacy with 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, each holding a special place in her heart. Extended beyond family, she leaves behind caring friends and loving caregivers.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 20th with an 11am gathering and 12pm Memorial Service at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 SR 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913.