Mary Frances Shannon

A funeral service celebrating the life of Mary Frances Shannon, age 89, of Newark, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 16th, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville St, Newark with Pastor Barbara Salyers officiating. Burial will follow in Newark Memorial Gardens.

Mary Frances passed away the morning of Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at Sharon Brooke Assisted Living. She was born on July 3rd, 1935 in Pheonix, AZ to the late Cathryn Clarke.

Mary Frances was a 1953 graduate of Portsmouth High School. She was a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in teaching. Mary Frances went on to get a Masters degree in developmental education from The Ohio State University.

Mary Frances started her long teaching career in the Columbus City schools and quickly transferred to Newark City Schools where she taught for 40 years. She taught elementary and middle school but, her love was special education; where she was instrumental in helping hundreds of children achieve a high school education that afforded them a brighter future.

Mary Frances loved serving on multiple committees at the First United Methodist Church Newark, Oh. She was an avid reader and could be caught soaking in the rays at Lake Erie on the back of her and her husband, Phillip’s fishing boat. Her favorite vacation spot was Treasure Island, Fl. Mary Frances loved her numerous dogs and cats, always considering them an extension to her family. In her later years, she found joy in reading and caring for her many house plants that she grew on her sunporch and back patio. Perhaps some of her proudest moments were watching her namesake, granddaughter Alexcia Mary dancing at her numerous competitions and events.

She is survived by her only son, Stephen L. Shannon (Melissa Madinger); granddaughter, Alexcia Mary Shannon; ex-daughter-in-law, Ambre (Edgar Chism) Shannon; two step-grandsons, Brandon E. (Carrie) Shannon and Kyle W. Shannon; a step-great-grandson, Azariah Shannon; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Judith Chamberlin; two nieces, Katharyn (Joe) Daniel and Mary Chamberlin; nephew, Johnnie (Angelia) Chamberlin and a very special life long friend Ruthmarie McNamara. Mary Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years; Phillip Zane Shannon; and mother, Cathyrn Clarke.

Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16th at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville St, Newark. There will be light refreshments served in the café for all to enjoy during the calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Newark City Schools, “A Call to College”. These funds will be used to help Newark City School graduates with furthering their education.

Visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory about Mary Frances, or to sign an online guest book.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Mary Frances and her family.