Noroma Obituary

Noroma Shannon (Mrs Robert L. Shannon) died peacefully in her sleep on July 7, 2013 in Alpharetta, Georgia. She was born October 18, 1924 to Paul and Myrtle Walker in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she completed her early education, graduating from South High School.

At the onset of WWII, she moved to San Diego, California to live with her grandparents and attend college. There she soon met a young Navy ensign who became the love of her life and she would marry. Robert L. (Bob) Shannon Jr. stationed in San Diego, fell in love with Noroma and they were married six weeks after their first meeting. After Bob received his ship assignment in the South Pacific, Noroma moved to Boston, Massachusetts. There, their first child Lee, was born in 1945.

When the war ended, the young family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee and there they reared four children: Lee, Melinda, Becky (Rebecca), and John. Bob's continued activity in the local Naval Reserve ultimately elevated him to Lt. Commander which paralleled his rise to manager of the Department of Energy's Technical Information Center. As TIC manager, he was also the U.S. liaison for the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency's technical information program. During the 1970's, Noroma would sometimes accompany Bob to annual IEA program reviews. One especially enjoyed trip included visits to Paris, Brussels, and Vienna which was considered their dream vacation together.

When Bob unexpectedly died in 1978, Noroma's shock and loss eventually became assuaged through a renewed interest in education. A faithful wife and loving mother, Noroma accomplished Bob's wish that their children be properly cared for and that both high school and college educations be completed for each child, even if it meant placing their needs above her own. Then, in the early 1980's, Noroma began attending classes at Roane State Community College where she received Associate Degrees in Art, Business, Dietetics, and General (all with high honors). She then began studies at The University of Tennessee where she received her Bachelor of Art degree with high honors, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1988. Also, during this period, she traveled with and hosted many tour groups both within the United States and internationally. She took many multi-continent cruises and visited Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

Over the years, Noroma loved music and the arts. She heavily participated in the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association. She served as chairman of the Showcase Design House in Oak Ridge; volunteered with the Recording for the Blind and the Oak Ridge Art Center Tree House at Proffitt's. She played bridge with many life-long friends, and for many years was an active member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church. She was a loyal friend to many Oak Ridgers.

In 1997, Noroma moved from Oak Ridge after 51 years and settled in Alpharetta, Georgia. She lived there until 2004 and then moved to Charleston, SC until 2006. Illness forced her to move back to Georgia and she became a resident at Somerby of Alpharetta Senior Living Center. Even then, she was an active resident participating in many activities and was loved by all.

Survivors include children Robert L. Shannon III, Sevierville; Melinda Freels; Rebecca Shannon Phillips, Mt. Pleasant SC, John Shannon, Cumming, GA, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In place of flowers or cards, the family suggests that contributions should be sent to:

Tennessee Tech University Foundation
Mr and Mrs. Robert L. Shannon, Jr. Physics Scholarship
P. O. Box 1915
Cookeville, TN 38505