Mary Jo Shannon Obituary, Cause of Death – A Life of Love and Community
Mary Jo Shannon, beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and longtime La Jolla resident and businessowner, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 after a long and beautiful life.
Cause of Death
Mary Jo’s passing was described as peaceful, following the natural course of age-related illness.
Early Life
Born in Hope, Arkansas, to Lou Ethel Campbell and Gordon Lowe Campbell, Mary Jo spent part of her childhood in Mississippi before her family settled in San Diego. Her beloved stepfather, Jim Fairbanks, became a guiding presence throughout her life and remained one of her greatest loves until his passing.
Family
She married Robert Houghton in 1954 and had two daughters, Kris and Karen. Later, she shared many wonderful years in La Jolla with her late husband, Harry Shannon, where together they built a life deeply rooted in the community. Her daughter Karen sadly passed away on March 18, 2024.
Mary Jo is survived by her daughter Kris Jenner, her seven beloved grandchildren, and her 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless joy and pride.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Mary Jo became a successful businessowner in La Jolla. She opened Candles of La Jolla on Girard Avenue before founding Shannon & Company, a cherished children’s boutique known for its timeless charm and thoughtfully curated gifts. She devoted her life to her stores, retiring at the age of 82.
Legacy
Her greatest joy was her family, but she also left a lasting mark on her community through her entrepreneurial spirit and generosity. Kris Jenner shared: “My mom loved La Jolla with all her heart. It was where she built her dreams, raised our family, and welcomed so many people into her stores. She taught me everything that truly matters… to love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted.”
🕊️ Mary Jo Shannon’s cause of death was age-related illness. She will be remembered for her warmth, entrepreneurial spirit, love of La Jolla, and the lasting mark she left on her family and community.
