Celebrating the Life of
Shannon Kalia
October 15, 1994 — December 8, 2023
Obituary
Shannon Kalia, age 29, passed away on December 8th at Strong Memorial Hospital. Shannon is predeceased by her father, David Kalia; her older brother, Terry Henriksen; and her grandparents, Charles and Lorraine Kleine. She is survived by her mother, Darlene Kleine-Briseno, siblings Ajay and Anika Kalia, and her many friends-turned-family. Loved and cherished as her sisters-of-the-heart are Desiré (Giddens) Stevenson and Cassidy Hammond.
Shannon was born on October 15th, 1994, in Fox Lake, Illinois. She was a graduate of the School of the Arts, the Continental School of Beauty, and Monroe Community College. She loved the time she spent working at the YMCA and Forever Friends as a teacher for young children. She adored everything Disney, anything pink or fluffy or cheetah print, The Lion King, Fall Out Boy, Ice Nine Kills and My Chemical Romance, Chinese food and that fantastic buffalo chicken dip, Sephora and cute nail art, the Barbie Movie, Halloween and Christmas, and any kind of late-night hangout with friends. Shannon could find humor in absolutely everything—she loved making people laugh. Even in the most challenging moments, she would drop a joke between the sniffles and tears and throw an entire room into hysterics.
Shannon was a magnetic force, always finding friendships wherever she went: work or school, Emergency Room hallways, across the cash register, and even over customer service helplines. She would remember the tiniest details about your life and ask you about it weeks, months, or even years later. Shannon was forgiving and always open-minded. Above all else, Shannon was passionate about people and loved absolutely everyone who had the honor of knowing her.
Shannon had a positive influence on every single person that surrounded her. She wasn’t afraid to love deeply and without judgment. She brought warmth, excitement, and kindness to every single soul she encountered. It was impossible not to be happy around her. She gave the best compliments and even better hugs. She wasn't afraid to be unapologetically herself. When someone needed love, she was there to give it tenfold. She was a safe space for so many of us, helping us to find compassion, to heal, and to grow.
Shan, you're safe now. You’re not in pain anymore. Rest easy. Fly high.
Services
Memorial Service (In-Person)
Friday, December 22, 2023, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Eastern Time
Greece Canal Park, Millennium Lodge
Join us for a gathering of people that loved Shannon and want to celebrate her life.
Memories and Condolences
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Junior prom. The first dance I'd ever gotten to go to with people that actually cared about me. Shannon welcomed me into the Shan/Ange/Des friend group so readily. I'd spent four years in an abusive friendship, and Shannon was there for me, to be a new kind of friend, one I'd never known before. A kind one, a compassionate one. One that wouldn't hurt me. Thank you so much Shannon, for welcoming me and changing my life for the better.
When we went to build a bear in the peak of 2020 COVID because Shannon had never made a build a bear before. She got Pumba, the last missing character of her Lion King collection, and I got Pikachu!
You will always win the best aunt award ❤️ You were not only my aunt but my best friend and I will miss you forever ❤️ I am so lucky to have been blessed with such an incredible, beautiful soul in my life.
Shan had gotten very sick in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. She would spend weeks at a time in the hospital unable to have any visitors due to the pandemic restrictions. When she was finally out and about she kept talking about how she'd always wanted to build a bear. So a random Saturday we went! She built Pumba and I built Pikachu. Absolutely no shame being grown women shopping next to eight year olds!! Shannon was the epitome of "heal your inner child and have some damn fun!!" Love you and miss you already, girl.
Beyond happy that we all got to spend her last birthday with her at Radio Social.
This was a day Shannon, Jamie Lynn, and I took a random outing to Charlotte beach. It was such a low key day but it's one of my favorite more recent memories of us. She was always so confident and beautiful and colorful. Always convinced me to be out and about instead of holed up alone at home.
I can't really explain the amount of joy you brought me. I miss you dearly and I know you keeping a close eye on your friends and family. I wish we had an endless amount of time to share more memories. I love you Shannon, enjoy some drinks in the clouds for me baby!
You were one of a kind. Always had a huge smile and lit up every room you walked in to. Always there for me when I needed you. A precious friend, a compassionate person, and one hell of a good time at every party. I'm glad I got to see you in your last week. I knew it was coming but you were so happy, your usual bright self, and I was in denial. Some part of me thought we'd have forever. We were gonna go to the MAG together, and exchange Christmas presents, and take photography classes, and so much more. I love you to bits Shannon Kalia. I hope you're in a place with no pain and all the friends you could ever need. ❤️
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