Shannon Fairlamb

Fairlamb, Shannon 9/9/1972 - 8/3/2016 South Elgin, IL Shannon Marie Cunningham-Fairlamb of South Elgin, IL passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at the age of 43 after a 10-month battle with ovarian cancer. Shannon was born in Kalamazoo, MI to Judith and Daniel Cunningham. She was a 1990 graduate of Plainwell, H.S. where she excelled in many activities, most notably, as a member of the swim team. Shannon attended Olivet College in Olivet, MI. While at Olivet College, Shannon was very active in campus life. She quickly joined the school newspaper and became Editor-in-Chief, the Echo, in her junior and senior years. She was a member of the school's swim team in her freshman year, but the most cherished memories for Shannon were as a member of her sorority, Iota Kappa Omicron, most affectionately know as Soronian. The relationships with her sisters helped form the woman she became and sustained her throughout her life. After graduating with a BA in Journalism, Shannon went to work as a Senior Writer/Photographer for the Allegan County News and Gazette. In 1995, Shannon moved to Chicago to pursue a career in marketing and journalism. She quickly found work as a Sports Writer for Chicago Sun-Times and as a Project Coordinator/Editor for Aon Corporation. While living in Chicago, Shannon met the love of her life, Ted Fairlamb and they were married in 1998. In 2001, after a 4 year stint in Minnesota, Shannon went to work for Combined Insurance in Glenview, IL. Shannon worked at Combined Insurance for 15 years until her death; rising to the position of Director of Marketing Services. Shannon loved her career at Combined and the opportunities it provided and the relationships she made. Already a breast cancer survivor, Shannon was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer in October 2015. Despite an incredibly challenging and painful chemotherapy regimen, Shannon never complained and always fought with grace and a sense of humor. Shannon is survived by her loving husband, Ted Fairlamb and her parents, Judy and Jerry VanOrder. Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Saturday, August 20th at Barrington United Methodist Church in Barrington, IL. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established in Shannon's name at Olivet College. Please visit www.olivetcollege.edu for further details and to donate. Shannon was an incredibly brave, strong and courageous woman. She was a loving wife, daughter, friend and colleague. Her infectious smile and personality with be greatly missed.