Obituary of Shannon C Anderson

Shannon C. (Enge) Anderson

Born Shannon Melissa Cole in Seattle, WA, she died at age 85 from dementia at a North Bend, WA care facility on September 24, 2019. She was a graduate of West Seattle High School and went on to study early childhood at Central Washington College of Education. When she returned to Seattle, Shannon married the father of her children, Herman Enge, Jr. Soon she began her 35+ year career in early childhood education applying the teachings of Maria Montessori as she taught in several preschools and as teacher/owner of her own preschool before finally working with children and parents at Childhaven.

To say she was an avid reader is an understatement; voracious comes to mind. She drew beautifully detailed portraits as doodles. Her life was full of music. She and her sister recorded “You are my Sunshine” at the county fair; a song she often hummed while softly stroking the head of a napping child. Those of you who were her students know she considered it a privilege to teach. She supported children in their curiosity and creativity with uncurbed enthusiasm.

Early important friendships include the Akers and the Bissells. She is survived by three of her four children, Kelly of California, Paul and Lynn of Seattle, WA. She is also survived by her sister Dawn (Ray) of Redmond, WA and brother-in-law Fred of Olga, Orcas Island. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands and her beloved son, David.

The family gratefully thanks her care givers, including Dr. B., and nurses Ardythe and Tatiana and the volunteer who read to her at the North Bend facility. In addition to the facilities hospice staff, Shannon briefly received the generous and attentive care of the team from Evergreen Hospice. She will be greatly missed for her quick wit, dry sense of humor and loving care of pets and children. A Celebration of Life is anticipated in March 2020. Gifts to Childhaven (www.Childhaven.org/donate) in her name are appreciated.