Kathleen Marie Shinn

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kathleen Marie Shinn on Friday, September 25, 2026. Kathleen was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose love, laughter, and presence didn’t just bring light to our lives; she was the light. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and countless people who will forever carry her in their hearts.

Kathleen was born on October 9, 1982, in San Antonio, Texas, as the beloved daughter of David and April Sullivan and big sister to Amanda Rodriguez, whom she loved, guided, and watched over throughout their lives. After graduating from John Jay High School in 2001, Kathleen continued her education, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Northwest Vista.

At the foundation of Kathleen’s life was her faith. She grew up at Cornerstone Church, where she participated in VBS, kids camp, and youth group, which formed friendships that would remain with her throughout her life. As she grew older, Cornerstone remained her church home, and it became the place where she brought her own family. Her relationship with God was not simply one part of her life; it shaped everything else—her marriage, her family, her friendships, and the way she loved and served others.

In 2020, Kathleen earned her real estate license and began a career with Kimberly Howell Properties. Her dedication and hard work earned her several production awards during her time with the company, but her success was measured by more than awards. She was respected by her fellow agents and formed genuine relationships with the clients she served, bringing the same warmth and care to her work that she brought to the rest of her life.

Kathleen’s love story with Dustin Shinn began long before their wedding day. They met at just 13 years old in seventh grade at Pease Middle School. After growing up together and sharing many of life’s milestones, they married on September 17, 2005. Together, they built a beautiful life and family filled with love and cherished memories. They welcomed their son, Tyler, followed by their daughter Madison and twin girls Olive and Hazel. Kathleen took tremendous pride in being a mother, and her children were at the center of her life. This year, Kathleen and Dustin celebrated 21 years of marriage and more than three decades of knowing, loving, and growing alongside one another.

Kathleen treasured her friendships and had a special gift for bringing people together and creating bonds that lasted through every season of life. Throughout her life, Kathleen built many circles of friendship—lifelong childhood friends, friends from church, the soccer families she spent years alongside, and those she met throughout her cancer journey, each becoming an important part of her life. Kathleen loved hosting parties and planning get-togethers, always putting thought into the details and making sure everyone had a good time. Game nights were a longtime family tradition and could become more than a little competitive. Whether it was a girls’ trip to the beach or wineries, a family vacation, a holiday, or simply gathering around a table for a game, Kathleen cherished time spent making memories with the people she loved. So many people were fortunate, blessed, and lucky to call Kathleen a friend, a reflection of how deeply she was loved by those who knew her.

Her faith in God would remain steadfast through one of the greatest challenges of her life. After her diagnosis in 2022, Kathleen faced the years that followed with extraordinary strength and courage. She fought fiercely, and she never allowed cancer to define who she was or become the center of her life. Instead, Kathleen continued to focus on what mattered most to her—her faith, her family, her friends, making memories, and living life to the fullest. She remained positive and determined, surrounded by an army of supporters who cheered her on every step of the way. Kathleen was a warrior, and no one fought harder.

In 2023, the Shinn family was chosen as a Leslie’s Week honoree family, an experience that gave them precious time together and the opportunity to create memories that would outlast cancer, including an unforgettable family trip to Hawaii. What began as an experience for Kathleen and her family became something much greater. The Shinns returned to Leslie’s Week year after year as volunteers, giving their time and hearts to help other women and their families experience the same love and support that had meant so much to them. Kathleen and Dustin were also honored to speak at the Stage4Cancer Conference in New Jersey, sharing their experiences to inspire others walking a similar path. Kathleen’s connection to Leslie’s Week became an enduring part of her legacy, one Dustin, Olive, and Hazel plan to continue in her honor for years to come.

There was simply no one like Kathleen. She will be missed beyond words, but the love, laughter, and light she brought into so many lives will never be forgotten. She was loved by more people than she could have ever known, and she will be missed beyond words by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who surrounded Kathleen with unwavering love and support, and to Dr. Beeram and the entire team at Texas Oncology for their compassionate care throughout her journey; your kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 21 years, Dustin Shinn; their children, Tyler Shinn and his wife, Lulu Shinn, Madison Shinn, and twins Olive and Hazel Shinn; her loving parents, David and April Sullivan; her sister, Amanda Rodriguez, her husband, Louis Rodriguez, and their children, Juju and Lucero Rodriguez;

She also leaves behind countless extended family members and lifelong friends who loved her deeply and whose lives were forever changed and made brighter by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph and Elizabeth Jordan, and Lemuel and Angie Sullivan; her Aunt Marlene Rogers, Aunt Laurie Giles.

A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Cornerstone Church, Vada Hagee Prayer Chapel, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78258. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by the chapel service at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Zach Smith. A reception will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the West Concourse at Cornerstone Church. Kathleen will be laid to rest at 1:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery Cordi-Marian, 11624 Culebra Road, San Antonio, Texas 78253.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kathleen’s memory to Leslie’s Week, an organization that held a special place in her heart. Donations may be made at https://www.lesliesweek.org/donate