Shannon Lee Marhoum

Shannon was born in Terre Haute on October 5, 1974, to Cheryl Cassidy and the late John (Emery) Reynolds. She was tough, stubborn, strong-willed, and never afraid to speak her mind. She was, in every sense of the word, a hard ass, and she wore that title proudly.

Shannon was a woman who never stopped fighting. When cancer entered her life, she faced it the same way she faced everything else: head-on. For more than three years, she fought with a strength and determination that reflected the woman she had always been.

But Shannon was so much more than her illness.

She had a deep love for animals and spent several years working at the humane shelter, where she became known as the “kitten lady.” She opened her heart and home to bottle babies who needed someone to care for them, giving countless tiny animals a chance they may not have otherwise had. Her love for animals was a beautiful reflection of the tenderness that lived beneath her tough exterior.

Shannon also spent many years working at Gavina Inc., alongside her cousin Eric Poole. Her time at Gavina Inc. was an important part of her life, where she built friendships, shared countless memories, and formed bonds with the people she worked alongside. She remained part of the Gavina Inc. family until she eventually had to stop working due to her cancer. The people she met and the relationships she made there remained an important part of the life she lived.

Shannon was also a woman of faith. She was a Christian and made sure that church was an important part of her daughter Madison’s childhood, bringing her to Sunday services and instilling in her the faith that Shannon carried throughout her own life.

Shannon is survived by her husband, Sam Marhoum; her daughter, Madison Burt; and her beloved granddaughter, Nova Chapman. She is also survived by her mother, Cheryl Cassidy, and step-father Charles Cassidy (Chucky), along with many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, John (Emery) Reynolds, and her brother, Danny Reynolds.

Shannon made her wishes known that she wanted to be cremated, and her family is honoring that wish. In keeping with her wishes, there will not be a traditional funeral service. Her family is taking this time to grieve, remember, and process the loss of a woman who meant so much to them. A celebration of Shannon’s life will be held at a later time, surrounded by the people who loved her.

Shannon was never someone who did anything halfway. She loved hard, fought hard, cared deeply, and left her mark on the people and animals fortunate enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed, fiercely remembered, and forever loved.