Kay Shannon, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Sexsmith, AB, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Prairie Lake Seniors Community, at the age of 96 years.

Kay Shannon was born on September 2, 1926, in Kingman, AB, to her parents Peter and Inga Wold. At the tender age of 2, her family moved to Sexsmith where she grew up as the second oldest among her five sisters. After completing her education in Sexsmith, she moved to Edmonton, AB, to pursue nursing, earning her Registered Nurse degree in 1948. Throughout her nursing career she provided care and comfort for her patients and their families.

In 1948, Kay married her husband Joseph Shannon, and they were blessed with two children: Patricia and Kelly. During a difficult time when her husband contracted polio, Kay stood by him and cared for him until his passing.

After retirement, Kay relocated to Richmond, BC, to be closer to her daughter. Eventually, she moved to Calgary, AB, to be with her sister Elsie, and later returned to Grande Prairie.

Throughout her life, Kay embraced a spirit of giving back to her community. She was actively involved with volunteering at her church and the Sexsmith Shannon Municipal Library. Her dedication and contribution earned her recognition as one of the 100 Legends of Alberta Public Library Service.

Kay took pleasure in shopping, her jewelry, traveling, and most of all she loved to spoil her grandchildren. She had a special place in her heart for all animals, especially her beloved dogs: Kernal, Peppy, Willy, and Tiger.

A strong, fiercely independent, loving, and generous person, Kay’s presence enriched the lives of those around her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed, and her legacy of kindness will endure in the lives she touched.

Kay will be sadly missed by her sister Bernette Wiens; son Kelly (Barbara) Shannon; grandchildren: Nicole (John), Cori (Derek), Joey (Jennifer), Lauren (Cody), and Miranda; great-grandchildren: Amber, Patrick, Brodie, Zackary, Aidan, Sophia, Samantha, Olivia, and Bennett; as well great great-grandchild Declan.

She was predeceased by her father and mother Peter and Inga Wold; sisters: Irene Dalen, Elsie Wold, and Myrtle Anderson; husband Joseph Shannon; daughter Patricia Gray; as well as son in-law Ian Gray.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00am, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grande Prairie (10407 100 St.).

Memorial Donations may be made to Sexsmith Shannon Municipal Library in memory of Kay Shannon (shannonlibrary.ab.ca or e-transfers to programs@shannonlibrary.ab.ca)