Shannon Rose Magner
April 11, 1950 – September 26, 2016
Shannon was taken away and ushered into her new home in the spiritual realm on September 26, 2016. She was born on April 11, 1950, the second child of nine children born to John and Velma Magner in Sacramento, California.
Shannon graduated from Del Campo High School in Carmichael, California, in 1968. She attended Peninsula College in Port Angeles in 1968-69 and later American River College in Sacramento.
In 1972 Shannon married Hal Gaskell, and in 1973 she
gave birth to her son Kasey. They made their home in Wild Horse Mesa, CA, and Agnew, Washington, until they were divorced in 1982.
Shannon held many jobs beginning with her work as a para in the Sequim School District in the 1970’s. She also worked in insurance, property management, and as a medical assistant in Sacramento and Visalia, CA. When she moved to Eugene, Oregon, in the mid 90’s to be near her sisters, she resumed her career in property management. From Eugene she moved to Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and then on to Santa Cruz working in property management.
As a child, Shannon had already begun to imprint many of her father’s characteristics, talents, and skills as a stand-up comedian providing entertainment for family and friends whenever she was around. Childlike in her spontaneity, she was a master at improvisation. Her impromptu singing, dancing, and acting performances portraying a cast of hilarious characters which she created always had people laughing. Her presence was a joy, and all of her siblings, nieces, and nephews looked forward to spending time with her. You never knew what to expect, but you knew it would be novel and fun. Her playful enthusiasm was contagious.
Yet Shannon was also very compassionate and understanding, always taking up the cause for the underdog. Fearlessly, she would call out any injustice that she witnessed, always siding with the victim and the oppressed. She devoted the last 30 years of her life advocating for her son Kasey who suffered from mental illness. Shannon was dedicated to helping Kasey function as a productive member of society with a strong sense of purpose. Her love and commitment to his success and well-being were evident.
Above all, Shannon was characterized by a strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She had an active prayer life which made petitions to God on behalf of all those she loved: friends, family, and strangers alike, as evidenced in her journals. Although this beautiful and loving woman will be missed, those who knew and loved her can be assured that she is with her Savior.
Shannon is survived by her son Kasey Gaskell; six sisters; Erin, Mary, Deidre, Rita, Johanna, and Clare, two brothers; Kevin and Brian, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Shannon’s name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) online at www.nami.org/donate or checks with Shannon’s name on the memo line OR may be sent to PO Box 62596, Baltimore, MD 21264.
There will be a Celebration of Life on November 6, at 4 pm at Dungeness Community Church.
