Helen Shanahan

Shanahan, Helen 12/12/1921 - 7/21/2018 Decatur Michigan Helen Dorothy Shanahan (Palmer) of Decatur passed away peacefully at her home, embraced by family. Helen was born on December 12, 1921 at home in Fort Louden PA to Ira and Rosa Palmer youngest of six children. She attended Carlisle H.S, graduating in 1939. Helen moved to Michigan to join her sister Alura in Paw Paw. She met her husband Charles at a small grocery store and they were married July 3rd, 1941, spending the next 62 years together on his family's farm south of Lawton. A loving and devoted wife, mother, and homemaker in the early years of marriage, raising three children. Helen was an avid fan of all sports especially her beloved Chicago Cubs and she attended many of their games thru the years. She enjoyed jig-saw puzzles and family members challenged her with more and more difficult and intricate ones as gifts. Quilting was another of her passions. She made many beautiful patchworks and gave most away to her grateful children and great grand-children. After the children were raised, Helen worked as a cook for Lawton Schools and retired in 1984. Helen was preceded in death by her husband Charles in 2003. Surviving are daughters Jean VanConant (Tom), Joan Lewis (Dwight) and son Charles Shanahan. Helen was blessed with eight grand children, fourteen great-grand children and two great-great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held on August 12th at the First Christian Church, 119 North Niles St. Paw Paw, Michigan with Rev. Ron Packer officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m with services following.