Shannon Peterson Callahan, wife, mother, and instructor at Sonoma State University, died on May 8, 2023 at the UC Davis Medical Center, five short weeks after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, at the age of 39. An ardent gardener, crafter, activist and conservationist, Shannon lived her last weeks with her characteristic wit, determination and grace.

The loss of Shannon is mourned by her close, loving family and countless friends. Survived by Shannon, are her husband of five years, Landon Christensen, her beautiful three-year old son, Lewis Christensen, her mother Ellen Peterson, her older sister Megan Callahan and husband Christopher Sierzchula, and beloved nephews Paxton (9) and Xander (6). Shannon was also very close to Landon’s parents, longtime Davis residents, Lynn and Laura Christensen, brother Gary Christensen, and sister Katie Manzer and her family.

Shannon grew up in Woodbridge, NJ and through elementary and high school competed for top honors with Maggie Zawodna, who would become a lifelong friend. Her extracurricular activities were varied, including playing trombone with the school band, acting, choir, soccer, and future problem solving. By the time Shannon owned a car, her progressive political tendencies became clear to anyone who happened to glance at the numerous colorful bumper stickers on the back of her Toyota. At Juniata College she won numerous honors while also playing in the pep band and hosting a heavy metal radio show called “Friday Night Loud,” which became very popular with the local prison. During her time at Juniata, Shannon also participated in Habitat for Humanity on builds in Georgia.

Losing her father early and unexpectedly in 2006, Shannon opted to begin graduate school close to home at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, so that she could live with her mother. Upon completing her masters, she then made the move cross-country, continuing her graduate studies in social psychology at UC Davis, earning her doctorate there. Shannon taught social psychology at numerous colleges, including UC Davis, and most recently at Sonoma State University.

Described as a vegetarian “since the time she had teeth,” Shannon was environmentally conscious in every way. Composting, recycling and upcycling, she wasted nothing. Where an average person might see an item as trash, Shannon saw its true potential and sought a worthy home for it.

Shannon crafted many lovely and eye-catching decorations for her beautiful wedding to Landon in May of 2018. She was well known for making gifts, incredible baked goods and decorations for her loved ones and for her own home. She could knit, weave, and much more, even finding creative uses for non-recyclable plastic. A real movie lover, a Regal gift certificate was always an easy Christmas present for Shannon. (It could be difficult to gift her with a more expensive item since she was extremely, sometimes amusingly, frugal.) Shannon’s loves were many — her family, her countless friends, trivia, karaoke, crossword puzzles and reading. When driving, an audio book was always playing. Traveling was limited with a baby, especially during the pandemic, but it was something she loved and dreamt about. (If the location included a river, you would find Shannon floating in a tube on it.) She would often make her way to the east coast to visit her family and beloved nephews. A trip to Niagara Falls during one of these visits became the perfect occasion for Shannon to share her wry humor on FaceBook:

          Posted above pictures of tourists in blue raincoats looking at the Falls. “Maid of the Mist at Niagara              Falls. Lewie was mostly confused. ‘Why am I wearing this? Why am I wet? Why is everyone                            screaming? Why am I even awake?!?’”

Shannon collected numerous friends every place she landed. She warmly accepted and included everyone, a trait in alignment with her decision to study peace psychology (a specialization that seeks to prevent violence and conflict) and research group identities. Her ability to do so broke down barriers and led to large and ridiculously fun group events – including legendary Halloween parties (her handmade costumes were always the most fun and creative) complete with amazing homemade treats. That she always included everyone, showed up for people, and said “yes” to life’s adventures was both a beautiful lesson and gift to those around her.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Shannon at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Davis on Saturday, July 8. All are welcome to attend. Details are available at this Everloved memorial website: https://everloved.com/life-of… and guests are asked to RSVP. Shannon planned this celebration so good food, fun and music are guaranteed, along with plenty of bubbles. (The event will also be live-streamed and recorded for those who are unable to attend.) Donations may be made in Shannon’s honor to Shannon’s Gofundme (https://www.gofundme.com/f/lo… ), which will be used to pay her medical expenses. Any remaining funds will go to a scholarship fund for Lewie, as well as to help fund her final request of a trip to Maui for her family in her memory.

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