Virginia Shannon

Sister Wife Mother Aunt Friend Grandmother Great Grandmother Virginia R Davis Shannon November 27, 1923 – October 24, 2021 Virginia Ruth Davis was born 4th in her family, and raised during the Great Depression, and was definitely one of the greatest generation. She was the first one of her family to graduate from high school and it was quite a feat in those days. She met her future husband, as a brother of her girlfriend. They dated during her senior year and then while James Norman Shannon was stationed in Italy during WWII. When he returned they did what everyone was doing – got married, bought a home, a TV, and had a family. She quit her job at Great Lakes Steel to raise her daughters – Patricia Ann and Kathleen Mary. They eventually moved from Southgate to Trenton, and transitioned to the 2-car and 2-career family. She worked part-time as the Church Secretary for the First Baptist Church of Trenton, and later became the Administrative Assistant for the Director of the Great Lakes Region of the Environmental Protection Agency stationed in Grosse Ile. During this time she continued her education earning the equivalent of an associate’s degree with a certified professional administrative assistant designation. That job brought her great satisfaction and required her to travel extensively. Her most famous stories are about Russia during the Cold War, especially the time she broke her leg and they wouldn’t let an interpreter accompany her to the hospital. After she and her husband, Norm, retired they enjoyed traveling for pleasure, visiting many countries. For several years they became part of the snow birds that stayed in Florida during the winter. She also enjoyed her membership of the Trenton Senior Center’s New Horizon Club for over 25 years, and was instrumental in starting and organizing their Bunco Club Virginia and Norm celebrated their 50th anniversary with a family/friend party. Later in life they enjoyed family events, especially with the grandchildren. Norm died after they had been married 59¾ years. Her hobbies of shopping, having her hair done, eating out, and splurging with a single piece of quality chocolate every day, were enjoyed through her 90s. She felt so loved by her nieces and nephews, and was always amazed that people were so kind to her. When Pat named a scholarship in her name for Wyandotte Public Schools she was overwhelmed. She had come full circle to making a difference for others who may have had a hard start in life. Virginia was well liked, respected, and loved. She will be missed terribly by her family and friends. She made a difference in the lives of so many by her kindness, thoughtfulness, intelligence and humor. She is survived by her daughters Patricia Cole (Gerald); Kathleen Martich (Gary); grandchildren: Sandra Lafferty (Charles); Jennifer Hall (Sam); Marty Martich; Kelly Keyes (Justin); great grandchildren Lucy Waldrop; Lauren Hall; KC Keyes, Cameron Keyes; Kate Keyes; Thomas Arington; Madelyn Arington; and great great grandson Daniel Meisel; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Visitation will be held at Martenson’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 27, from 2-3 for family, and 3-8 public; Thursday, Oct. 28, 9-11 am visitation, with a service following at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Donations to the Wyandotte Public Schools Scholarship Foundation would be appreciated.