In loving memory of

Heidi Shaughnessy
August 23, 1955 - June 9, 2018

Heidi Joan (Koos) Shaughnessy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister passed away peacefully at home in Rochester, MN on June 9th at the age of 62 after seven brave years battling cancer. Heidi was born in Minneapolis, MN on August 23, 1955. She was the second child of Dr. Gerald and Mary Jo Koos. Heidi was a humble scholar and talented athlete, compassionate nurse, active volunteer and steadfast friend to many.
She graduated Neil Armstrong High School (1974), then St. Olaf College (1978) where she received her B.S.N. degree and met her husband of 37 years, William Shaughnessy. Together they drew great joy in raising their two children and spent many years poolside cheering them on and volunteering at the club, high school, and university levels. They enjoyed music, theater, the outdoors, gatherings with family and friends, and traveling to visit their children and grandchildren.
An accomplished athlete, Heidi ran track and swam in high school and received the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Athena Athletic Award. She continued her swimming career in college, setting records in backstroke and, in 1978, was among the first St. Olaf women to ever compete at the AIAW Division II Women's National Swimming Championships. Following college, Heidi's nursing work included Ebenezer in Minneapolis, MN, St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN, and Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Madison, WI. After she and her husband moved to Rochester in 1984 Heidi applied her nursing knowledge, compassion, masterful organization skills, and welcoming gentle countenance to volunteer work for the Ronald McDonald House and Mayo Clinic Hospice. She also volunteered at St. John's Catholic School, Zumbro Lutheran Church, the Rochester Swim Club, Med-City Aquatics and served as a board member for the University of Minnesota "Fast-Lane Fans" Swimming and Diving Booster Club. She had a particular love for the outdoors and enjoyed canoeing, hiking, and camping with her family. She cherished walks in her neighborhood and along Rochester trails with friends, and she cultivated a beautiful home garden in Rochester for over 35 years. Her sparkling blue eyes, gentle grace, and ever appreciative ways blessed those fortunate to meet and know her. She drew great joy from time with family and friends, and she will ever be held closely in our hearts.
Heidi departed with profound gratitude for the care she received through the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Hospice as well as the support of her family, friends and the swimming and diving community.
Heidi is survived by her husband William; son Michael (Alyssa) and granddaughter Amery of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter Jenny Shaughnessy Ferris (Robert) and grandson Lucas of Boulder, CO; mother, Mary Jo Koos of Duluth, MN; brothers Shaun (Kathleen) of Wenatchee, WA, Zane (Evia) of Duluth, MN, Tyler of Cass Lake, MN and Fletcher (Carol) of Duluth, MN, and sister Dr. Kirsten Koos of Apple Valley, MN, as well as 9 nephews and 15 nieces.
Heidi was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Gerald Koos.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN at a later date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mayo Clinic Division of Medical Oncology, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church (624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN) on July 14th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Raizel Weinberg wrote on Jun 14, 2018:

"To Dr. Shaughnessy, family & friends. My thoughts are with you, am very sorry for your loss. I know you will cherish and remember all the days of life you had together. Your loved one will be watching from heaven as you experience life & all its surprises. Raizel Weinberg"

Alice Flood wrote on Jun 14, 2018:

"Dr. Shaughnessy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. "

Chris Moir wrote on Jun 14, 2018:

"Dear Bill, all of us here send you our profound sympathy for your loss. You've always shown us how to do it right in the care of others and that Heidi has always been a large part of who you are. Please take care and take time. We'll be here. Chris"

Lori Karol wrote on Jun 13, 2018:

"Dear Bill, Bob and I send our love and support at this difficult time. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Lori Karol "

Kim Moe Simpson wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Dear Bill and family, I was a St Olaf nursing student with Heidi. She was such a sweet soul! She looks just as beautiful as she did 40 years ago! My deepest sympathy goes out to you all and prayers for warm memories on hard days. May God surround you with His love and peace that passes all understanding. Kim Moe Simpson"

Susanne Leslie wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Thoughts and prayers to the family. Heidi was a wonderful lady. Susanne and Mike Leslie"

Maria Regina Delmundo wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Bill, Mike and Jenny, and all who love Heidi, I have never forgotten her kindness, compassion and absolute grace , especially when she was a bright comforting light during some of my darkest days . We who love her will miss her so very much but we know she will always be with us in our hearts and minds . "

Shaunte' Goad wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Dr. Shaughnessy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Heidi was such a special lady. May you find comfort and peace in one another and your friends. "

Chris Anderson wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"I'm so sorry for your loss."

Linda McConnell wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Dear Dr. Shaughnessy and family, My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Linda McConnell "

Shelly Hansen wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Dear Bill and family, My heartfelt sympathies to all of you. She was a very special person and had such devotion to family, friends, and faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Bob and Shelly Hansen Travis and Jennie Wolf Michelle and Brandon Brodin"

Dan Sucato wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Dear Bill, We wanted to extended our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Although we had not had the privilege of meeting Heidi, we heard from many who knew her well and understand what an amazing person she was in all aspects of her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you find peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Sincerely, Dan and Lisa Sucato"