Dianne Brooks Shannon

Lafayette - Dianne Brooks Shannon, who devoted her life to caring for children while pursuing a path as a successful businesswoman, died Thursday, Feb. 9, in Lafayette, La., after a brief battle with cancer. She was 81. Born May 18, 1941, in Fort Worth, Texas, Dianne was one of three daughters of Tommy and Daisy Brooks. She graduated from Paschal High School and attended college in Texas and Louisiana. When her two children were young, Dianne, who had worked in a preschool in Houston, moved to Lafayette to run her own day care center, which later became known as Shannon’s Child Development Center, or, simply, “Shannon’s,” to the generations of families whose lives she touched. After 50 years of caring for children, she retired in 2019. Dianne considered her children, Pat and Kelley Shannon, her life’s work. She was very proud of the adults they became. She supported them in all their endeavors growing up, arranging for piano and drum lessons and cheering them in their respective school activities including band, newspaper, debate and science and social studies fairs. All the while, she continued her education, earning her bachelor’s degree and master of business administration degree at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now UL Lafayette. Moving to Lafayette gave Dianne the opportunity to oversee her own business and live near her sisters, Linda and Ellen. All of their children grew up as close cousins. Family and friends remember Dianne as someone who was kind and a good listener who offered comfort and nurturing advice at just the right moment. She also was known for her sharp wit. Dianne stayed up to date on news events and throughout her adult life enjoyed following politics. In the 1960s as a young political wife she helped to elect her then-husband Joe Shannon Jr. of Fort Worth to the Texas Legislature. Later, she was a supporter of other political candidates and causes and was an ardent proponent of the Equal Rights Amendment for women. Even as she aged, she was in tune with young people and their interests. She kept up with pop culture and was known to many as a “cool lady.” Among her other passions were stargazing on a clear night and working complex jigsaw puzzles. She absolutely adored her three grandchildren and loved visiting with them and hearing about their lives. Those who wish to offer memories of the impact Dianne made through her child care center can do so at shannonchildmemories@gmail.com. Stories will be shared with Dianne's family to celebrate all of her incredible work. Anyone wishing to donate to a charitable cause in her memory should consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of her favorite organizations because it helps families fight cancer regardless of ability to pay. Survivors include her daughter, Kelley Shannon, and her husband Michael Pearson of Austin, Texas; son, Patrick Shannon, and his wife Renee Shannon of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren Chelsea Shannon and her husband Nick Panzarella, and Emily Shannon and Sam Pearson; sister Linda Hughes and her husband Howard Hughes and sister Ellen Gill; nieces and nephews, Laura, Brooks, Paul and Anna Friedberg and Paul’s wife Naomi Friedberg; and all of their children and grandchildren, Rachel Hudson and husband Will Preble, Hannah Huey and husband Sam Huey, Jack Friedberg, Max Friedberg, Isaac Friedberg, Julia Friedberg, Ellery Preble and Vivian Huey. Thank you all for your love and support. Final arrangements are being handled by Cypress Funeral Home and Crematory in Maurice, La. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for immediate family.

Dianne Brooks Shannon

May 18, 1941 - February 9, 2023