Katherine McShannock's Obituary
Katherine Anne McShannock, age 85, passed away October 17, 2004 at her residence in Portland, OR. Katie was born April 17, 1919 to Herbert I. and Winifred (Felton) Duthie in Grand Rapids. After graduating from Ottawa Hills High School she went on to earn a degree in education from Michigan State University. While attending Michigan State she met her husband, Thomas G. McShannock. They married in Salinas, CA in 1942 and in 1947 they moved to Muskegon where she began her long teaching and coaching career in the Muskegon Public School System. Katie took time off during her career to raise her three children and returned to teaching in 1962 at Bunker Junior High. In 1965 she joined the teaching staff at Muskegon High School and remained there until her retirement in 1979. Much of Katie’s teaching career was during the pre- Title IX years for female athletics. However, the girls at Bunker and Muskegon High were not without an athletic program. Kate coordinated a very successful GAA (Girls Athletic Association) at both schools. She coached synchronized swimming at both schools and later became the first girl’s swim coach at Muskegon High School. Katie was a member of McGraft Congregational Church and a longtime member of the Mayflower Guild. She was also instrumental in fundraising for the construction of the church’s bell tower. After her retirement, Katie was very active in the Cherry Guild at Hackley Hospital. She was also a member of PEO in Muskegon. Katie is SURVIVED by her three children, Thomas (Susan) McShannock Jr. of Sonoma, CA, Daniel (Charlotte) McShannock of Midland, MI and Anne (David) Hicks of Portland, OR; nine grandchildren, Katie McShannock, Michael McShannock, Scott and Megan McShannock, Jason McShannock, Mark McShannock, Laura, Madeline, Tommy and Anna Hicks; great-granddaughter, Madeline McShannock; and sister, Mary (Hilmer) Anderson of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, in 1993 and a brother, Herbert Duthie, in 1969. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held Thursday, November 11, 1:00 PM at McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, 1617 Palmer Ave. with Rev. Dr. Gerald J. Wahr officiating. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery. A time of fellowship and refreshment will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the McGraft Memorial Congregational Church Bell Tower Fund, 1617 Palmer Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441. You are also invited to sign the family’s on-line guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by
The Walburn Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
1547 W. Sherman Blvd.
(231) 726-5210
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