August 17, 1962 - March 25, 2023
Shannon's family is deeply saddened to announce her sudden, unexpected passing at age 60.
Shannon was born in Vernon, delivered by Dr. Bogey which, naturally, instilled in her a lifelong love of the game of golf.
She lived her entire life in Vernon save for some college in Victoria, and three years working in Central B.C.
Shannon attended Beairsto and BX Elementary Schools, W.L. Seaton Junior Secondary, and was
part of the 500-plus Vernon Senior Secondary School graduating Class of 1980. Every school, every job, every stop in her life, Shannon made friends fast and easy.
After school, Shannon held various jobs ranging from gas jockey, liquor store clerk, grocery store
clerk, office worker, administrative assistant, and numerous postings within Interior Health, which was her last place of employment as her health began to fail.
Shannon was an avid softball player, a left-handed slo-pitch pitcher. Her scouting report would read,"Great underhanded pitcher, trouble throwing overhand to bases, excellent bat, zero speed." She loved softball and her time after games with her teammates and others from the league for post-game discussions at the old Coldstream Hotel and Village Green Inn.
Her Japanese heritage provided a lifelong love of the country's food, complete with fish shavings, a staple to sprinkle over anything. Shannon loved miso, miso soup, tempura vegetables, sticky rice (one of her favourite stores in Vancouver was a placed called Rice World), norimaki (sushi rolls) and anything seafood-y. Oh, and like many others, she loved the legendary Vernon Japanese Cultural Society's chow mein available at the Fall Bazaar.
Shannon loved reading her Hollywood tabloids, particularly The Star and National Enquirer, and People Magazine. She was devoted for years to The Young and The Restless, The Price is Right, true crime stories and mysteries, and loved Rod Stewart. And his music. Shannon's favourite movies were both Christmas flicks - Christmas Vacation, and Die Hard.
She was also a fan of Chrysler LeBarons, possessing two in her lifetime; one hardtop, one convertible.
In 1999, she met the light of her life when she gave birth to her only child, Sam, at St. John Hospital in Vanderhoof. Shannon was so in love with him, was a fantastic mother to her boy, and immensely proud of the young man he has become.
Shannon liked to hang out at her 'club,' the Army, Navy and Air Force, and met many fine patrons there, along with Don Cherry's Sports Bar.
She was the type of person who, even if she had nothing, would give the shirt off her back to someone in need. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Shannon is survived by her son, Sam (Renny), Sechelt, B.C.; her mom and dad, Amy and Stan Godel, Vernon, B.C.; sister Jacqui Jakeman (Phil), Coldstream, B.C.; brothers Keith Richards (Susan), Coldstream, B.C.; Allan Godel (Cara), Kelowna, B.C.; her former husband, Roger; nieces and nephews Neil Bolton (Jen), Kaitlyn Dhesi (Paeton), Alexandra Richards (Robert), Hana Godel and Wes Godel; former sisters-and brothers-in-law Joy Godel; Jim and Betty Knox; Diane and Doug Anderson; Don and Lynn Knox; aunt and uncle Georgia and Les Virag; aunt Mari Tokairin; aunt and uncle Yosh and Wayne Nadrozny; uncle Koji Tokairin; aunt Rosie
Tokairin; numerous cousins, many, many friends.
She was predeceased by her birth father, Terry Richards, and a cousin, Darby Tokairin.
A celebration of life for Shannon was held at the Army, Navy, and Air Force Club in Vernon, drawing a large crowd and a lot of stories, memories, laughter and tears.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Shannon's memory to the Vernon Army, Navy, and Air Force; or North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS); or to the cardiac unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.