It is with aching hearts that the family of Dena (nee Brown) Shannon announces her passing on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the age of 72, after a 20-year battle with cancer. She passed away at home in Huntley, Illinois surrounded by her loving family.
Dena was born in Freeport, Illinois on February 12, 1950, to Charles and Joyce Brown of Warren, Illinois. She graduated from Warren High School, then attended Highland Community College and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University.
Her career took her from Thermos in Freeport, Illinois to TDS, Madison, Wisconsin where she was the Executive Coordinator to the President and Financial Systems Development.
Dena married her perfect partner and best friend, Pierce Shannon, on May 18, 1990, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. That was just the beginning of many wonderful vacations in Florida and other great destinations. She and Pierce shared a fabulous sense of humor and sense of fun that kept them and those lucky enough to be around them laughing. They gathered friends everywhere they went.
Dena and Pierce were devoted to each other and spent most of their time enjoying life together. It was a challenge when Pierce had to be gone overnight for work, and she opened the fridge on one such occasion to find he had drawn his picture on the milk carton as a “missing” person!
They especially enjoyed exploring art and craft fairs, spending time in Lake Geneva, swimming at the Sun City pool, and spending time with their son and grandchildren.
She was active in her community, including serving as the former Vice President of the Current Events Club of Sun City, Huntley, IL.
Dena is survived by her husband Pierce; son Jaycen Burmeister; grandchildren Payton and Grace Burmeister; sister Candice (Robert) Becke; niece Breanna Becke; nephew Blake (Madi) Becke; great nephew Briggs Becke; sister-in-law Elizabeth Shannon; niece Kathleen Shannon and her family.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Brown, and her mother, Joyce (Brown) Coons, and brother-in-law Nicholas Shannon.
A private gathering for the family will be planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite cancer fund or charity.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-5615-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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So sorry to hear you have lost Dena. Wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Jaycen, we are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We would love to send you a card. Our phone is 262 728 2999, you can also send a text. Blessings to you and your family. May she rest in peace. With our love, Aunt Connie & Uncle Lew.
Jaycen, Jennifer and family, sorry for the loss of your mom. Know she enjoyed spending time with you and her grandchildren. Prayers
Pierce I’m so sorry for your loss. You and Dena were a perfect couple.Dena could light up a room when she walked in. She could away make me smile just by calling me PeeWee. I will miss her. She’s one Gods angels now. Rest In Peace Dena.
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of Dena. I've always looked forward to her voice of reason, her sense of humor, her unconditional love almost all my life. Can't leave out her baking skills as well. I will keep these memories filed under Precious in my soul. My love to Pierce, Jaycen and Candy.
Dena will be missed; I loved seeing her and talking with her at the Huntley Library.
It's a year today since Dena passed. Thanks to everyone who left comments. The poem below was written by James Weldon Johnson, and adapted by Singer/Songwriter Kris Delmhorst for her album, "Strange Conversation". I've been trying to think of exactly what I wanted to say about Dena. This covered perfectly. "Since You Went Away" Seems like to me the stars don't shine so bright, Seems like to me the sun has lost its light, Seems like to me there's nothing going right, Since you went away. Seems like to me the sky ain't half so blue, Seems like to me that everything wants you, Seems like to me I don't know what to do, Since you went away. And everything is wrong, The day is twice as long, And the bird's forgot his song, Seems like to me I just can't help but sigh, Seems like to me my throat keeps getting dry, Seems like to me a tear stays in my eye, Since you went away. Since you went away.