Shannon (McDaniel) Maza, 52, of Chicago Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024 after a six-year battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Shannon moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend DePaul University where she met the love of her life Eric. After graduation, Shannon stayed in Chicago with Eric and went on to teach high school chemistry, conduct research at the renowned Fermilab in Chicago, work for the Chicago Park District, and was employed as an independent salesperson in various industries, most recently cabi.
Her most rewarding job, however, was being a wife and mother. Shannon and Eric welcomed their children, Jacob and Julia, in 2005 and 2008, respectively, and their dream of being parents was fulfilled.
Shannon was a vocal and determined advocate for her children and volunteered at their schools and in numerous organizations making sure they and all children had the resources they needed.
Shannon loved her family and friends fiercely. She loved to cook, bake, clean, be a beer-snob, host parties, decorate for the seasons, run, talk loudly, and cheer for her children. ALS took all of that away over time, but she made the best of a horrible situation and shared her struggles on social media with hundreds of people being both vulnerable and incredibly strong.
Shannon was preceded in death by her grandparents, Virgil and Agnes McDaniel and Ed and Florence Henrich, her father David McDaniel, and father-in-law Jerry Maza.
She leaves behind her devoted husband Eric, her son Jacob, daughter Julia, mother Mary Jo McDaniel, mother-in-law Jeanne Maza, sister Kristen Van Wert (David), sister-in-law Lori Frieri (Jeff), brothers-in-law Greg Maza (Sandy) and Chris Maza, ten nieces and nephews, and her loving aunts and uncles.
Upon her death, Shannon elected to participate in the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Blazeman Foundation for ALS and the UMB Brain and Tissue Bank research initiative.
Family & friends will gather, Saturday, March 9 for a memorial visitation 10:00 AM until time of mass 11:00 AM at St. Pascal Church (Irving Park & Melvina) 3935 N. Melvina Ave. Chicago, IL 60634
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Les Turner ALS Foundation in Shannon’s name. This foundation provided numerous resources for Shannon and all those who suffer from this devastating disease.
Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com
Eric and Maza family, sorry to hear about your great loss may God be with you all at this time of sorrow
Our deepest sympathy to Shannon’s husband, her son and daughter and her entire family. She was an incredible woman! Her sister, Kristen, described her beautifully! We loved Shannon. We will not forget her.
I remember how you wanted the best fir your children especially Julie because I had chance to see her grow up and graduate from Reinberg she will be remember snd never forgotten by many my hope is that this scripture bring some comfort to family Revelation 21:3,4
A lovely lady that was intelligent , beautiful and loving, she will be greatly missed. To Shannon…”See you later dear friend.”
May the Lord welcome her with loving arms. Deepest condolences and prayers to Eric, Julia, Jacob and family.
One of the toughest things for my husband, diagnosed four years ago, is the frustration with the loss of function and communication. He recently told me “you don’t understand”. I responded, “you are right,I do not….But I am trying with everything I have”. It is that gap between being a Caretaker and significant other. we started ALS/MND programme from vine health centre treatment programme, it didn’t make the ALS go away but it gave him a better quality of life. I also understand that God does not give us more than we can handle…