After a brief battle with cancer and surrounded by her family and closest friends, Shannon Lynn Thomas passed away on January 31, 2017 in Helena, MT at the age of 50. She leaves behind her husband, James Thomas; her son and daughter in-law, James and Shannon Thomas; and her youngest son, Carson Thomas.
Shannon was born on May 20, 1966 in Libby, MT, to Fred and Pauline Schroeder. She grew up in a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins in Libby. Shannon always loved helping others and worked in the medical profession since high school. She completed the basic EMT course in Boulder, MT in 1990, and then went on to graduate from the University of Great Falls as a paramedic in 2003. Shannon started her 25 year career at St Peter’s Hospital as an admitting clerk while completing her EMT basic course in 1990. Then it was off to the emergency room working as a unit coordinator, and EMT while she attended UGF. She even taught new EMT’s as an adjunct professor at Helena College of Technology from 2001 to 2004.
Shannon married her high school sweetheart James “Jim” Thomas on July 20, 1985. Shannon and James made their life in Helena and raised their two children with the close support of their parents and families.
Shannon had many loves besides her family; Downton Abbey, vintage style, everything pink, Swan Lake, snowmobiling, jet skiing, trapshooting and puppy dogs. When diagnosed with cancer in September 2016, she remained devoted to her family and in her will to fight her illness. She continued to be brave and strong even throughout her final months, trying not to let cancer rule her life.
Shannon is survived by her husband and children, as well as her parents. She is also survived by her nieces, Ivy Taylor and Drew Zindell; her nephews, Tyler Zachau, Evan Eck, Burke Taylor, and Carson Zindell; and her honorary son Austin Powell. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Marie Jones, her cousin, Eric Almeida, her brother Christian, who died at birth, and her good friends, Ed Murgel, Kevin Fitzgerald and Cary Gee.
The family would especially like to thank the staff in the Cancer Treatment Center and the Oncology Unit at St Peter’s Hospital for their excellent, attentive care. Donations can be made in her name to the Humane Society.
A celebration of Shannon’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Shannon.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 10, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday February 10, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 10, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday February 10, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
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Lisa O'Brien-George says
Shannon was the most thoughtful, loving and kind daughter, wife, mother, and friend. She loved pink, puppies and all animals, cooking, snowmobiling, shooting, the lake house, travel, and so much more. But, most of all she loved her incredible family. Her parents, husband, sons and daughter-in-law , aunts, uncles, and cousins were all blessed to have her in our lives. She was taken too soon. We will hold her in our hearts forever.
Lisa O'Brien-George says
Special prayers especially for: Jim, James, Carson, Shanon, Fred and Pauline. Thank you for making her life so full of love and joy.
Lisa O'Brien-George says
♡
Bj Benjamin says
Shannon was special person with special talents . Her singing in school,her nursing, being an emt. She was a very loving and giving person. She will be missed. Fred and Pauline I don’t have your address or phone number. Love you.
JITSD team says
Many warm thoughts and prayers to the families.
MVD team says: says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
FSD says
James, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
CJIN Services team says
Wishing you strength and peace in this time of sorrow.
Shari Graham says
Shannon always had a smile and was always a bright spot when the world didn’t seem so bright. Shannon will be so missed by all who knew and loved her.
My thoughts and prayers to Jim, James, Carson and extended family.
Kelli Butenko says
When Shannon was the ER HUC, I used to love to sit next to her and visit when she wasn’t too busy. Her love for and pride in her family was so evident. And her memory was incredible for always remembering what we’d talked about, and asking the next time I saw her, “So how was …?” I always looked forward to sitting next to her at our EMT refresher weekends and catching up on life. She will truly be missed.
Della Dobbins says
James, I’m so sorry to hear about Shannon’s passing. She was an amazing woman. So thoughtful when I was in the hospital bringing me magazines to read. I loved seeing her when she would stop in when you worked at the Secretary of State’s office. I’m sorry I will miss her service I will be out of state that day. My thoughts are with you and the boys. Take care James.
Amy Sullivan says
Shannon will be greatly missed. So many great memories working with her in the ER. She was funny and smart and always positive. She loved her family and her pets dearly. She always had the best stories. Our love and prayers to you.
Joanna Lund says
So sorry to hear about your loss. Shannon was a kind neighbor to our family. Our prayers are with you.
Julie Rader says
Shannon was always so positive and cheerful. She always went out of her way to try to help everyone. I worked with her for years and I know she will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with you.
Montana Interactive says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
James and family,
We are so sorry to learn of your tremendous loss. Please know that we are thinking of you at this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Elena Haeussermann says
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Please accept my deepest condolences. My prayers are for you, James, and your family during this sorrowful time.
Colleen McCarthy says
James and family. On behalf of my brother Doug O’Leary and myself, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to all of you at the passing of Shannon. Doug has such fond memories of her from high school. She was a great support to me and Doug during his most challenging times in life. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and my prayers are with all of you.
Colleen and Doug