Shannon Toronto - Walker Funeral Home

Shannon Toronto was born on June 28, 1966, in Provo, Utah, to Chris and Judy Toronto. It was a beautiful summer evening, and the sun was just going down behind Mount Timpanogos outside the delivery room window. Judy was elated that her daughter Lynette would have a best friend. The two girls were born eleven months apart and would be close from the beginning. Shannon moved into Lynette’s crib, and Lynette had a small youth bed next to the new baby. The two little girls would communicate in infant language, and they entertained each other constantly.

ln that same year, Shannon moved to Sherman Oaks, California and Shannon and her siblings had a happy childhood swimming at Zuma beach, playing in the park, and touring Disneyland. Lynette, Shannon, Richard, and Jonathan rode the roller coasters at Magic Mountain in the summer, and the four of them all went to Riverside Drive Elementary School together in the fall.

ln 1977, Shannon moved with her family to Oregon. The schools were exceptional in Lake Oswego, and Shannon spent her junior high and high school years with excellent teachers who helped her gain a love for literature and history. She graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1984.

From 1984 until 1988 Shannon completed her undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, and also participated in London Study Abroad. She graduated with Honors and a Bachelor of Arts in English, and in 1991 she completed her BYU Master of Arts in English as well.

Shannon has always said that one of her finest accomplishments in life was achieved during the time she worked at the Waterford lnstitute as Marketing Director. While there, she participated on the design team for the “Rusty and Rosy Read with Me” program that taught children how to sing the alphabet song! She traveled to school districts around the country and sold this creative video which would teach thousands of children how to read.

ln 1997 she arose early in the morning and drove to Hill Air Force Base to oversee a team of writers, who, along with engineers, mechanics, and military leaders wrote a successful proposal to bring aircraft to Hill Air Force Base. She next worked as the Executive Director of the Marriner Eccles Foundation during the bustling years leading to the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. She served as a Public Affairs Media volunteer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the Olympics.

Shannon’s life changed when , in 2002, she packed up her belongings in a Ryder truck and moved to Arlington, Virginia. As a member of the Arlington Ward, she was a ward missionary for newly baptized sisters from Mongolia, and she accompanied them when they went to receive their temple blessings.

For a time, Shannon’s parents lived in the DC area and served in the Washington DC Temple. Shannon was able to serve with them in the temple and this sweet service was rich in daily peace and joy as they were able to be in the Lord’s House together. Shannon’s time in DC was filled with satisfying personal and spiritual experiences.

During a period of employment with the Leadership lnstitute, Shannon became acquainted with policy leaders and politicians. She then joined the Philanthropy Roundtable as Chief Operating Officer and worked in downtown Washington, D.C. She brought national philanthropists to Salt Lake City for their Annual Meeting where John Huntsman was a speaker.

Shannon received the Honored Alumna Award from the College of Humanities at Brigham Young Universities in 2009. She spoke during the Homecoming celebrations on the subject “Quiet Acts of Philanthropy” – a subject near and dear to her heart.

At the end of her time in Washington D.C., as a volunteer for Church Public Affairs, Shannon helped with the unveiling of a new DC Temple model, and she took friends through the Philadelphia Temple Open House. On Fridays, she served as a temple worker in the DC Temple, an assignment that filled her with joy and further inspired her life-long love for the temple and the Savior.

Shannon returned to Utah in 2016 and found a residence in the boundary of her beloved Lehi 43’d Ward. The people around her quickly became family to her. Their adorable, bright, and friendly children worked their way into her heart as they came to her door and made her feel loved and welcome. Adults in her neighborhood embraced her and invited her to join their family “Come Follow Me” lessons. Shannon was delighted when she was called to teach primary and the children in her neighborhood were the joy of her life. Her Lehi friends were loyal and supportive to her as she was going through her difficult health challenges. It was as if Shannon had family close by. Her kind Polish neighbors next door brought her nourishing and delicious soup, and the dear children sent her hand-drawn cards of encouragement to cheer her.

Since moving to Utah, Shannon has enjoyed hiking, gardening, flower arranging, and spending time with her twelve incredible nieces and nephews and their children. She loves traveling and especially enjoyed her time exploring New Zealand, Tahiti and major cities in Europe. Shannon continued to serve as a patron in all the local temples and completed extensive family history research.

ln September of 2021., Shannon was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder that caused congestive heart failure. She bravely endured this serious disease with the help of people she had known throughout her life. She was surrounded by their service and love, and she relied on her unfailing testimony that her Father in Heaven heard her prayers and loved and watched over her often in miraculous ways.

Shannon had a productive and blessed life. She looks forward with her favorite word “curiosity” to the even greater joys that await her in her life that will go on with all those she loves – forever. Her faith in Jesus Christ was always a central focus in her life, and early on, she found power in the covenants she made with Him, seeing the outpouring of blessings from keeping His commandments in both times of prosperity and even in adversity.

She is survived by her parents, Chris and Judy Toronto of South Jordan, Utah; her sister, Lynette (DeVerl Austin) of Eagle, ldaho; her brother, Richard (Deanna) Toronto of Gilbert, Arizona; and brother, Jonathan J. Toronto (Allison) serving in the Church Legal office in Manilla in the Philippines.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Lehi 43’d Ward Chapel, 31-80 North 300 West, Lehi Utah 84043. Family and friends may attend a visitation at the church from 9:45 until 1045 a.m. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. The interment will be held at the Spanish Fork, Utah, City Cemetery.

A livestream event is created below.

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13 Condolences for Shannon Toronto

Condolences(13)

Nina Abraham Palmer says

February 10, 2022 at 3:55 am

I am so deeply sad and shocked to hear this. Shannon was such a good friend to me when I lived in UT back in the late 90s. I was a new convert to the Church (from India) and Shannon taught me so much by word and example. We shared a love of English Literature, and while I was at BYU Shannon came down from Salt Lake every week to have lunch with me. She was my dearest friend in that season of my life. We chatted about her work at Waterford, at Hill Air Force Base and with the Eccles Foundation, and also about the jaw surgery she endured. I met you at your home on Top of the World Dr. and saw how fiercely Shannon loved her family. She is a shining example of a life well lived. I love you Shannon.

Carol and Norriss Webb says

February 10, 2022 at 4:07 am

Shannon has been a bright star where ever she has lived. We have no doubt she continues in that tradition. We will miss her beautiful smile and her timeless gift of knowing just the right words to use.
We are sorry for your loss. Love, The Webbs

Linda Richmond says

February 10, 2022 at 5:26 am

Thoughts and prayers for the whole Toronto family. We love you.

Alicia says

February 10, 2022 at 4:27 pm

I am so heartbroken to hear this news but rejoice to know she was received IN LOVE by so many in heaven. I love you Shannon. Thank you for always being SO kind and loving to me and my family.

Khand Tenney says

February 11, 2022 at 3:12 am

Shannon was a dear friend of mine when I was growing up in the Arlington ward as a youth. She gave me rides to youth activities and I remember many long car talks as she counseled me and strengthened my faith. I still can’t believe she’s gone from this world. She is a beautiful soul, her smile is bright and her friendship genuine and true. I’m deeply sad she is no longer with us. She is dearly missed.

Kent and Mary Anne Koski says

February 12, 2022 at 4:45 am

Thank you for a beautiful obituary, pictures and heavenly music. We care about the family and others in this loss. May you all be comforted.

Kimball and Betty Hawkins says

February 12, 2022 at 4:57 pm

Shannon was such a fun little girl with that twinkle in her eye, smile on her face, and a quick sense of humor. I fondly remember the summers spent at your house in North Hollywood when Julie and I would visit.
Shannon certainly spent her life serving and progressing. She accomplished so much and was a positive influence to so many.
Sending our love and condolences to the Toronto family.

Chad says

February 12, 2022 at 7:24 pm

I knew Shannon during her time she lived in the DC area. I remember how she was always smiling and had such a positive outlook on life. I always was impressed with her professional life, but I was even more impressed with her dedication to living the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She always inspired me and I’m sure many others who she knew and came in contact with.

REPLY
Julie says
February 14, 2022 at 12:02 pm

Shannon was a wonderful friend and colleague whom I worked with many years ago in Virginia. Her kindness, poise, dedication, and compassion to all was so appreciated. Her dignified demeanor, as well as work ethic, were a great example to the other young women in the office. She will be missed.

Claudia & Howard Anderson says

February 20, 2022 at 3:56 pm

Chris and Judy, We were shocked and saddened to hear of sweet Shannon’s passing. We have so many fond memories of Shannon and the Toronto family. The faith, testimony and example of you and Shannon lives on in our hearts. We love you, our “forever friends”. We were able to stream her beautiful service, a loving and inspiring tribute to a celestial daughter of God.
“…one thing we know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens… there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there…”! President Gordon B Hinckley
Bless your hearts. We love you. Always,
Claudia and Howard Anderson

Cathleen Collett says

March 6, 2022 at 6:40 am

I am so sad to hear about Shannon’s passing. Truly a shining star has dimmed, but lit the world so fiercely. Shannon’s of positive, loving, funny and intelligent nature, and her example of striving to be a true disciple of Christ leave fond memories and a lasting imprint on me. I am happy she is with loved ones and is no doubt already busy at work on a great and impactful service.

Cathleen Collett says

March 6, 2022 at 6:41 am

Sue Santa says

April 6, 2022 at 8:58 pm

My deepest condolences to the Toronto family. Shannon and I worked together in Washington, D.C. She was the brightest and most optimistic force! I admired her conviction and her faith, luminous even in the craziest times that are so often part of life in D.C. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Shannon Toronto June 28, 1966 - February 1, 2022

Shannon's funeral will be live-streamed. To view her services, please return to this page shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022; and click on the link below:

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13 Condolences for Shannon Toronto