Martha Ann Gannon
September 17, 1934 ~ September 17, 2011
Martha Ann Shields Gannon, 77, longtime Monrovia resident, died peacefully at home in the early hours of her birthday morning, September 17. She was surrounded by her beloved family. Martha was born in 1934, in Morgan County to the late Clair and Ruth (Paul) Shields.
Martha graduated valedictorian from Monrovia High School in 1952. She earned a B.A. in History from Indiana University in 1956. She taught professionally in various school districts following college, and later began working with researchers at Indiana University, retiring in 1999 from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics.
Always civic minded, Martha was involved in community projects, such as the Monrovia Festival. She served on the Monrovia Town Council as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission. She was a faithful member of the Monrovia United Methodist Church, the Dorothy White Circle, and enjoyed singing in the church choir.
Survivors include sons, Sean Gannon (Sherry) of Monrovia, Joseph Gannon (Michele) of Monrovia, Thomas Gannon (Alex Mirkin) of Indianapolis; daughter Margaret Bauer (Dale) of Monrovia; brothers, Paul Shields, Columbus, OH, William Shields, Martinsville, Larry Joe Shields, Lima, OH; sister Jane Williams, Monrovia; grandchildren, Joseph Tyler Gannon, Ezra Gannon, Sarah Bauer and Zachary Bauer; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.
Friends and family will gather on Monday, September 19, 2011, from 4pm to 8pm at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 10:30am on September 20 in the Monrovia United Methodist Church. Interment will be at West Union Cemetery, Monrovia. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I love & miss you Martha!! You have been a big part of my life & you have a very special place in my heart!! xoxoxo Love, Pam
Tom – I’m so sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. I loved hearing you talk about her. What a great lady! Gerd and I send our most hearfelt condolensces. Big hugs for you!!
My most sincere condolences. Martha and I were close friends through four years at I.U., and for some times afterwards. I’ve always regretted that the busyness in our lives took us apart, though we did see each other from time to time. I have very fond memories of our days in Forest Hall, at the Pizzeria, the Gables, and at I.U. games. I’ve always admired her dedication to Monrovia, which she loved so dearly. May God comfort you.
(Alice Parker Paul and Gregory W. Paul ) Greg is a son of Harold Paul and Mary F. Paul .
Sean, Joe, Tom and Maggie, My heart goes out to you and yours’…when I think of your mother, I remember her smile, she always had such a beautiful smile., for everyone who ventured into her home, always kind… God Bless you all and always know that your loss is also ours. Cricket
Martha, Always a smile, always positive and fun to be around while shopping for clothes!! All the best!!! Mike Habig
Mine and many others thoughts and prayers are with you all. Martha will never be forgotten. How often does a person go out of this world on the same date they came in…that just proves – she was one of a kind. Blessings to you all, Shawntel
As an employee of the Morgan County Economic Development Corp. I had the pleasure of working with Martha as she represented the Town of Monrovia on our Board of Directors. She represented the Town well and was always willing to help us when we had a project that was interested in the Monrovia area. Because of her health she had to step off our Board and I have since missed her pleasant demeanor that she always carried. God bless Martha and her family. –Jeff Pipkin
My late husband, Jim Jackson, was a lifelong friend of Martha’s and I had the great pleasure of working with Martha for a few years at Krannert Institute of Cardiology. Even after she retired, we would always see her at the Alumni dinners. She was a wonderful lady with a terrific smile and sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. She was a blessing to everyone. Laurenda (Jackson) Whitcomb
As a classmate of Sean’s, Martha always went of out of her way to make me feel welcomed and included. Ever since our school days, Matha never missed an oppoortunity to speak and asked about my life, even after these many years. I’m sure she did the same for all of her friends and her childrens’ friends. What a special gift she possessed. She will be missed. Betty Kale Trusty