Shannon L. Giordano, 88, of Mason City, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Good Shepherd Health Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday January 10, 2024 at Epiphany Parish Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City, IA 50401. Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday January 9, 2024 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA 50401 with a Rosary and Vigil Service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Crisis Intervention Center
Shannon grew up in Mason City, Iowa and was an active teen at Holy Family High School and church. She played the organ and was involved in just about every aspect of school. From there she went to nurses training and then to the convent where she received a second degree in Psychology. She opted not to take her final vows and began her 42 year practice as a nurse. Nurse by day, selfless, tired single mother of 4 by night. This obituary is a tribute to our mother.
Kind and loving, Shannon was a pacifist to her core. She raised her children with the clear message that everyone deserves acceptance and support, and no institution or ideology should have more influence than the simplest act of compassion. Although resources were limited, she always found a way to celebrate special occasions and taught her children that being together was what mattered most. She was a gift giver, a voracious reader, and a lover of sweets. She was a survivor.
She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America, St. Gregory’s Circle and also served as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Church. After she retired, she embraced a social life full of strong female friendships and community involvement. Whether it was playing cards, painting, singing in the church choir, or helping with Women’s Club, she was free to continue her purpose of giving, but this time, and finally, with a focus on fun. Now, a thriver.
As Alzheimer’s slowly changed her, this stage of life was not nearly as long as it should have been. But despite that, there were 3 things this maddening illness did not have the power to touch; her faith in God, her kind heart, and her connection to her children.
She is singing and playing cards in heaven now with her parents, her brother, her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. And her children and grandchildren vow to honor her legacy of kindness here on earth. Children include Mary (Mike) Andrews, Jim (Jolynne) Giordano, Jeannie Giordano-Shanks (Brad Shanks), Marc (Shelley) Giordano. Grandchildren include Bennie Satterfield, Brooke Satterfield, CJ Giordano, Spencer Giordano, Sam Shanks (Paige Shanks), Grace Dolphin (AJ Dolphin), Antony Giordano and Lucia Giordano.
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