NEWPORT – Kara Marie Shanahan, 31, passed away Jan. 21, 2009, after a lifelong illness. She was born Sept. 16, 1977, in Boston, a daughter of Kevin and Jean (Driscoll) Shanahan. She lived in Boston until the age of 14 and then moved to Maine. Kara graduated from Nokomis Regional High, Class of 1996. She overcame the adversity of receiving two kidney transplants, the first at age 12 and the second at age 27. Kara was considered to be a medical wonder. She loved listening to music, using her computer, and hanging out with friends, especially her best friend, Kelly. She had her own special sense of humor, which attracted many friends in her short life. She will always be loved and sadly missed by all who knew her. Never forget the importance of organ donation and please support the National Kidney Foundation. Kara is survived by her mother and stepfather, Jean and Phil Lagasse of Newport; a brother, Patrick Souza of Newport; two sisters, Bethany Fowler of Carmel and Stephanie Lagasse of Bangor; maternal grandparents, Nathan and Pauline Driscoll of Newport; aunts and uncles, Sandy and husband, David St. Pierre, Joan and husband, Peter Leadbetter, all of Newport, Greg and wife, Brenda Driscoll, of Contoocook, N.H., and Jim and wife, Theresa Driscoll, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two nephews and a niece that she loved dearly, and many cousins. Friends may call 9-11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main St., Newport, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. with Pastor Al H. Worden officiating. Spring burial will be at Morse’s Corner Cemetery, Corinna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to assist with expenses, care of Crosby & Neal. Those who wish may sign an online guest register and leave written tributes at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
KARA M. SHANAHAN
