Joan Marie-Grace (Janiszewski) Shannon

Joan Marie Grace (Janiszewski) Shannon 

Heartbreakingly on Wednesday July 7th 2021, our Beloved Mother passed away at Bayonne hospital in the presence of her two loving sons Robert E. Jr. and Troy J. Shannon with Caroline Nittolo and Dania Delavera, being our Loved Ones. Our Mother, born Joan Marie Janiszewski to father John and mother Mary on October 3rd 1942 in Downtown Jersey City. As a child she loved going to her grandparent’s farm, growing to love all animals especially horses, riding and caring for them. A city girl with a country heart. Our Mother had a passion for German Shepherds raising, training and owning them for many decades. All dogs and wolves have been howling ever since her passing. As a teenager our Mother twisted and Doo-woped her way into loving a small-time singer called Elvis. The last song our Mother heard was Elvis’s rendition of Amazing Grace. Our Mother started her career in the Telephone Co. as an operator patching one party into the other party so they can just establish a conversation; before starting and dedicating her life to her family up till her very last breath. Later in life our Mother worked for the Jersey Journal in sales for many years. If you received a phone call during dinner time, that was our Mother. Then turning to her passion and what was ingrained into her soul of selflessly helping others who were suffering by becoming a Home Health Aide. Our Mother was deeply religious and said the Rosary and Prayed throughout the day. This goes back to her youth and a very sick Nun asked our Mother to Pray for her which she did very hard; the Nun got well and gave our Mother a small wooden statue of the Blessed Mother as a thank you gesture. Our Mother kept this statue for over 70 years. It is now going to be buried with her along with her favorite pair of Rosary Beads placed in her hands. This faith and her Polish power made her beat cervical cancer 21 years ago.

Cherished Grandmother of Johnathan and Andrew (A.J.) Shannon. Our Mother the Matriarch of the family is survived by her five loving sisters; Carole Ann (Husband Michael Zazzarino), Irene, Margaret “Peggy” (deceased life partner Dominic Lupo), Barbara and Cheryl Ann “Sherry” (Husband Mark Paterno). Our Mother’s husband is Robert E. Shannon Sr. Our Mother’s Aunt Joan (Milczarski) Solicitto is the eldest member of the family’s mighty oak tree plus our Mother’s many nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren. Our Mother was predeceased by her parents John Sr. and Mary Janiszewski and her two brother’s John Jr “Jackie” (surviving wife Ana “Anita”) and Robert.

Our Mother’s request was to have a private viewing. The Mass will be held from 10:30-11:30am on Tuesday July 13th at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Roman Catholic Church on 39 East 22nd St. in Bayonne. Burial will follow at 12pm at Holy Cross Cemetery on 340 Ridge Rd in North Arlington N.J.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in our Mother’s name to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. https://www.nccc-online.org/get-involved/donate-to-nccc/

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