Arline E. Shannon, 93

March 02, 2018

Arline E. Shannon of Lititz, PA passed away at Luther Acres on March 2, 2018. Arline was born on October 17, 1924 in Lancaster, PA to Charles Harold and Mary Fox Eshleman. She graduated from McCaskey High School (1941) and from Wilson College (Magna Cum Laude, 1946) in Chambersburg.

Arline was married on January 4, 1947 to the late Rev. Dr. James G. Shannon in Grace Lutheran Church, Lancaster, with the Rev. Dr. Lester G. Shannon officiating. She moved with her husband as he served rural parishes in Monroe and Snyder Counties, PA and to Lititz in 1957. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lititz, since that time, serving on the Synodical Council and Executive Committee of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She chaired the Commission of Higher Education of the Central Pennsylvania Synod, was a delegate to two national church conventions, and was a frequent delegate to regional and national conventions of the Lutheran Church Women.

During the war, Arline was among the first female research assistants employed in the Research and Development Laboratory of the original Armstrong Cork Company. She then taught mathematics, physics, science, and special education courses for many years in several high schools in Lancaster County as a full time and substitute teacher. Arline also contributed as a volunteer to local, regional, and national organizations, including member, past vice chairperson, and trustee emerita of the board of trustees of Gettysburg College; co-founder and member of the board of directors, Lititz Meals on Wheels; and long-time member and past chairperson of the Lititz Planning Commission. Arline also held board positions over time with the Wilson College Club of Lancaster County, Wilson College Alumnae Association, Lititz Recreation Center, and Linden Hall School for Girls.

Arline loved her husband’s companionship, family gatherings, travel, camping, classical music, theatre, the beach, ice cream, and her dog Buddy. She was a fierce proponent of liberal arts education in general and for women in particular; open, curious, and welcoming of all cultures and creeds; and generous in her support of associated causes.

Arline is survived by her four children: Kathleen E. Shannon (George M. Kunath) of Westfield, NJ; Rebecca L. Shannon of Washington, DC: James G. Shannon, Jr. (Norie Dimapelis) of Saint Paul, MN; and Matthew D. Shannon of Washington, DC; grandchildren Matthew J. Shannon-Browne, Shannon Kunath (Keith) Lam, and George
J. Kunath; great grandchildren Nzali Mwanza-Shannon and Jacob Lam. Also surviving are sister-in-law Barbara Shannon Bullock; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and three step-grandchildren and 15 step-great grandchildren in Saint Paul, MN and Manila, Philippines.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Arline’s Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, March 10, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 200 W. Orange Street, Lititz, with Rev. Robert J Myallis and Rev. Irvin Shaw officiating. Visitation is from 9:30 AM; service at 11:00 AM. Refreshments will be served at the church following the services. Arline will be buried beside her husband at Machpelah Cemetery in Lititz.

Donations in Arline’s name can be sent to Lititz Meals on Wheels, 300 W Orange St, Lititz, PA 17543. The Shannon family thanks the staff of Agape Way, Luther Acres, the Masonic Village Hospice, and friendly faces along the way (Linda, Marian, Amanda, Brenda).