Obituary of Maureen E. DiPaolo
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." -Eckhart Tolle
Maureen Elizabeth (Shannon) DiPaolo, 74 years young of Hammonton, NJ (formerly of Cherry Hill and Haddon Heights, NJ) peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 while being surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren.
Born in the Bronx, NY, Maureen was the daughter of the late Howard P. Shannon and the late Olga A. Shannon. She was a graduate of Haddon Heights High School, Class of 1964, with a secretarial career on the horizon. She began her administrative job working at the University of Pennsylvania. However, that path was short lived when she met and then married her love, Tom.
Maureen’s greatest pleasure was to give to others. She donated her time, money, love and support across her life, to so many different organizations. As a teenager, she volunteered as a candy striper for Cooper Hospital. For years, she was an active member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at her children’s school and recently at her grandchildren’s school, assisting with student events. Maureen participated in building houses for Habitat for Humanity and as a volunteer for Literacy Volunteers of America, she taught illiterate adults to read. Most recently, Maureen spent countless hours assembling Easter baskets for children less fortunate, making PB&J sandwiches for the homeless and putting together chemo care packages for cancer patients, all through The Unforgotten Haven.
The magnitude and depth of Maureen’s kindness and love was evident to everyone she met. She lived a life of selflessness, always putting others first. Her heart overflowed with gratitude, peace and joy, which she spread to everyone she encountered. Maureen shared her love of helping others through her bright smile, eternal optimism and always living her best life.
An avid beach goer, Maureen enjoyed 3 decades of summers at her Wildwood Crest, NJ shore home that she shared with her husband and children. She spent endless days at the beach, watching the sunrise over the ocean and seeing the dolphins swim along the coast. Visiting Cape May to watch the sun set over the bay was the perfect end to a day, all while spending time with her family.
Maureen had a love for Philadelphia sports. She particularly loved to see the Phillies play ball and the Eagles fly. Watching each pastime became a deep family tradition.
Maureen was a devoted lifetime member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Haddon Heights, NJ, where she sang weekly in the choir and was heavily involved with the church council. Her faith was unwavering throughout the peaks and valleys of life. Because of that, as she reached the end of her life, she was at peace to go be with the Lord.
Her spirit is carried on by her loving husband of 51 “glorious” years, Thomas J. DiPaolo, Sr., their three children: Thomas J. DiPaolo, Jr. (Heather) of Stratford, NJ; Malissa M. Larsen (Michael) of Williamstown, NJ; Mandi M. Arndt (Robert) also of Williamstown, NJ; nine grandchildren: Thomas, Joseph, Michael, Matthew, Molly, Maya, Robert, Dylan and Rylan; her siblings: Raymond Shannon of Olympia, WA; Robert Shannon of Edgewater Park, NJ; Kathleen Shannon of Sicklerville, NJ and Richard Shannon also of Sicklerville, NJ; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will he held to celebrate a life well lived on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 12pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 E. Clements Bridge Road in Runnemede, NJ. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10 am until the time of service. All visitors are encouraged to wear their favorite Philadelphia sports team attire to celebrate Maureen’s life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Maureen’s memory may be made to The Unforgotten Haven,
100 South Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ. This organization does amazing things, but most particular, they kept her comfortable during the difficult chemotherapy treatments she received, something she was truly grateful for.
