Shana Dean Johnson Cunningham, our loving mother and grandma passed away at her home June 5, 2021, returning to the side of her husband and parents.
Shana was born at her home on Crystal Avenue in Salt Lake City October 28, 1936, to Reuben G. and Jessie B. Johnson. She married Jay Owen Cunningham, the guy with the cutest legs on the Granite High Basketball Team, December 13, 1958.
Shana worked in the Display Department for Auerbach’s Department Stores from the 1950’s until the stores closure in 1979, later working in Display for Weinstock’s Department Store. Shana loved her “second family” at Auerbach’s, especially her mentors Lorraine Briggs and LaRue Lyons.
Shana had a passion for decorating for the holidays, both in her home and at Auerbach’s. She had a great eye for style and detail and was a perfectionist in all she did. Shana always made sure her children were clean, pressed, and presentable. Her friends referred to her children as her “little mannequins”. From ironing baseball uniforms and gym clothes to the very best hand sewn Halloween costumes. She had a way of making simple things seem very elegant.
Shana’s family is what brought her the most joy. She never missed a band or choir concert, baseball game or wresting match. Birthdays were an extravaganza complete with personalized handmade cakes in the shape of cars, trucks, jack-o-lanterns, dolls and more. She loved fishing and camping with her family, especially the time we spent on the Upper Provo River. We will always remember these special times and how she made them memorable.
Shana was preceded in death by her husband Jay, father Reuben, mother Jessie, sisters Dorothy and LaRue, brothers Dick and Cliff.
Shana is survived by her children, Shawn and Kim, Bryan and Melissa, Patrick and Julie, Cydne and Shawn, Timothy and Jennifer; her grandchildren Alison, Jacob, Thekla, Will, Seth, Kloe, Heidi, Tess, Gabriel, Charlie, Wyatt, Kate; her great-grandchild Colt.
We love you mom and will miss you until we see you again.
We would like to thank Dr. Damian Domanski, Stefanie Dennison, and the caregivers from Summit Home Health & Hospice for their great care for our mother.
Graveside services will be held Saturday June 12 at 11:00 AM, Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Family and friends are welcome.
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. I love this photo of her. She always reminded me of Doris Day. She was my best friend growing up and I treasure our memories together....so many memories...our first trip to Disney Land and Knott's Berry Farm, and many trips to LaGoon. I shall miss her. She was so awesome..
I Am Standing Upon The Seashore
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout;
"Here she comes!"
And that is dying.
Dear Shawn, Bryan, Patrick, Cydne, and Tim,
Your mother was a sweetheart! We loved having her in our neighborhood. She was often outside working in her yard as we walked by-- and was always friendly. We enjoyed those visits. She spoke highly of her children always. And, as we see the fine young woman and men you have become, we feel you would be a credit for any parent to claim. Our prayers are with you as you go through this difficult transition of life.
Florie and Rodger Fullmer