Shannon Burns

Shannon Marie Burns crossed over to eternal life on Aug. 23, 2019 with family and close friends by her side. Born in Burlington, VT on June 5, 1976, she leaves behind her mom and dad, Deby and Gabe Lutterschmidt, Brother Gary, life partner - Dennis Gritton, nephew Damien Burns, niece Summer Hopkins. Her grandmothers Dorothy Keoppen of Leesburg, Fla, Rita Burns of Essex Jct., VT, grandfather Gottfried Lutterschmidt of Mauren, Liechtenstein and several aunts, uncles and cousins. The list of friends that were a part of her life is endless, as she cherished every one of them. She was predeceased by her father and 3 grandfathers.

Shannon was known affectionately by all who knew her as “the Bear”, named for her love of teddy bears. She loved to take car rides and go through the parks with Dennis to see the deer and pumpkin birds and whatever wildlife crossed their path.  She loved country music, karaoke, iced tea and her family.  She greeted everyone with kindness and a warm, beautiful smile, strangers and friends alike.

Shannon previously worked in food service at local restaurants and grade schools, always loved being around people, children especially. Her nephew Damien – “Bubby” held a special spot in her heart. Being around him brought her endless joy.

Shannon shared her life with Dennis since 1996. No paper was needed to justify or validate their love and commitment to each other. The feelings they had for each other was evident every day, everywhere they went. Their travels together brought them to many states, seeing many sites and meeting many people.

She will live on through others as she was accepted as a tissue donor for the Gift of Hope program, helping others as she would have if she were here with us today.

A celebration of Shannon’s life will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Oakwood 105 East South Main St Oakwood, IL 61858 with Pastor Jim Blue officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00-12:00 prior to the service. Burial following at Bethel Cemetery, Indian Springs Road, Blunt township, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to create a memorial fund in Shannon’s name which will be determined by her family at a later date. All checks can be made out to her mother, Deborah Lutterschmidt. Please join Shannon’s family in sharing photos and memories on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

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