SPHS Class '64 Reunion

 

 

 

Shannon M. Knowlton

Eulogy by Breck Moorefield

 

“Laughter” is the first word that comes to mind when we think about our mom. More words are – free spirited, stubborn, feisty, mischievous, sporty, beautifully dressed, casual, down to earth, fun loving and deeply spiritual.

 

She loved many things – one of her favorites was the city of St. Petersburg. She would often say “I live in the most beautiful city in the world! ” She loved growing up in Old NE and raising us in the same place. She adored the water, parks and beaches. Because she surrounded herself with the things that made her happy, it was fitting that she passed away surrounded by her family and dog, in her favorite house, on her favorite street, in her favorite city.

 

Real-estate was a perfect career fit because mom loved seeing people happy in their homes and thrived off of the competition that it took to get the job done. She could talk to anyone about anything and make them feel special – even if she didn’t know your name. When you hired Shannon, you didn’t just get a realtor, you became family.

A familiar sight around the neighborhood was seeing mom walking her dogs. She loved dogs - not little ones… she like the big ones! She had at least one or more by her side throughout her life. A Pincher, I think a Great Dane, Dalmatian, Labradors, Briards and a Poodle -Most were friendly, one hated trucks and other dogs, one bit neighborhood children and hated Reed– but she thought all of her dogs were brilliant!

 

As a mother she was amazing –It was great being her daughter and son. She was a good listener, very supportive, nurturing, funny, honest, into self expression, and health food but most of all. . . she was FUN! . . .like. . . mud pies – dancing queen – draw on your walls with crayons – spit off a tall building- extra hot fudge on your sundae –- kind of fun. As far as faith, she practiced what she preached and made us want to love God like she did. Family was her priority – always – and as we became parents she impressed upon us the importance of hugging our children and saying “I love you” every day.

 

One of her greatest legacies as a mother was her belief in the power of a good marriage. She would always say that the best parents were the ones who put their relationship as husband and wife first. She and my father came first. They adored each other, were best friends and always had fun. For 43 years, they traveled around the world, often starting out on an adventure - not knowing where they would end up – that was part of the thrill - but they knew“things would always work out.” They were good at supporting each others passions, never holding the other back. They were a team . . . and great role models.

 

Cooking was another passion and she passed that along to her children and grandchildren. Reed was always her second in command in the kitchen, competing for the best recipes. They laughed and hollered as they tasted and stirred each others dishes – adding “a little bit of this and a little bit of that” toimprove the taste and overall presentation.

Shannon was as human as she was spiritual- as crazy and rebellious as she was full of faith. She loved her friends and family as much as she loved the Lord and she laughed as hard as she prayed. God filled her soul with such a light. Her confidence came from a close every day relationship with God. She talked to Him all the time, shouting things like “Thank you Lord for this sunset!” “Thank you Lord for my family.” “Thank you Lord for this parking space!” “Thank you God for helping me make it to the gym and please give me the strength to start my diet on Monday!”

 

As a tribute to our mother, we think the best thing you can do today is thank the Lord for something small– here are some ideas -chocolate, puppies, soft sand, warm tea, a great hair day, a good lip stick, a deep belly laugh, a hot bubble bath, homemade soup, a perfect martini, anything on sale, a wonderful husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, a new episode of Barefoot Contessa - or anything else that makes your glass half full.

 

When she was battling cancer, you would have never known she was sick. She never complained. Her positive attitude is what carried her through.

 

She was not a fan of funerals or being sad. She would rather be eating chocolate and laughing with that big Shannon smile.

Lets honor her today with happiness.