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Shannon Lyn Bongers, M.D.
Royal Oak, Michigan
June 17, 1955 - October 13, 2020
Shannon Lyn Bongers, M.D. Obituary
Shannon Lyn Bongers was born on June 17, 1955, to Lael Lucille Whiting Shannon and George Roe Bongers in Glendale, California. Her only sibling, a sister, Julie was two at the time of Shannon’s birth. Shannon is survived by her sister Julie.
Shannon attended elementary schools in Glendale and graduated from Oakwood School in North Hollywood, California in 1973.
In an era when women did not often enter the sciences, Shannon graduated with a degree in
chemistry in 1977 from UCLA. She then went on to the University of Indiana where she completed her Masters degree in synthetic organic chemistry in 1981. She worked as a chemist for Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before deciding to become a physician. Her sister recalls that actually being her lifelong dream. She finished medical school at Wayne State University in 1989. In 1994, Shannon completed a residency in surgery and then accepted a fellowship at Edinburgh Medical School in Scotland where she learned new surgical techniques for breast cancer.
Dr. Bongers practiced in Plano, Texas, and at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. She also served on the faculty at her alma mater, Wayne State University, School of Medicine. Many have spoken of her kindness toward both patients and staff. She had numerous close friendships develop from those relationships.
During her lifetime, Shannon studied violin, piano, and ballet. She also showed her horse, “McLeod”, in Hunter Jumper events and Dressage.
None of these studies or pastimes filled the place in Shannon’s heart that she yearned for the most. She wanted children. In November 2000 she adopted Laura Jeanine as a newborn. Within a few weeks thereafter, she flew to China to adopt Emma Elizabeth, who was ten months old. The girls became her pride and joy. She loved them deeply and gave them everything she could. They attended Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan. Shannon enjoyed attending their activities including piano recitals, ballet recitals and sporting events.
She and the girls enjoyed many trips to Yosemite as well as trips to Alaska and Europe. Shannon gave her daughters the gifts of happy memories and love. Emma and Laura are continuing their education at Albion College and Indiana University, respectively.
Shannon fought ovarian cancer with grace and dignity. She lost that battle on October 13, 2020.
Memorial services are scheduled at the family's church home, Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 11:00 am. You may also livestream at Livestream Link
Donations in Dr. Bongers’ honor can be made to the Wildlife Conservation Society at Charity Link.
In an era when women did not often enter the sciences, Shannon graduated with a degree in
chemistry in 1977 from UCLA. She then went on to the University of Indiana where she completed her Masters degree in synthetic organic chemistry in 1981. She worked as a chemist for Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before deciding to become a physician. Her sister recalls that actually being her lifelong dream. She finished medical school at Wayne State University in 1989. In 1994, Shannon completed a residency in surgery and then accepted a fellowship at Edinburgh Medical School in Scotland where she learned new surgical techniques for breast cancer.
Dr. Bongers practiced in Plano, Texas, and at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. She also served on the faculty at her alma mater, Wayne State University, School of Medicine. Many have spoken of her kindness toward both patients and staff. She had numerous close friendships develop from those relationships.
During her lifetime, Shannon studied violin, piano, and ballet. She also showed her horse, “McLeod”, in Hunter Jumper events and Dressage.
None of these studies or pastimes filled the place in Shannon’s heart that she yearned for the most. She wanted children. In November 2000 she adopted Laura Jeanine as a newborn. Within a few weeks thereafter, she flew to China to adopt Emma Elizabeth, who was ten months old. The girls became her pride and joy. She loved them deeply and gave them everything she could. They attended Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan. Shannon enjoyed attending their activities including piano recitals, ballet recitals and sporting events.
She and the girls enjoyed many trips to Yosemite as well as trips to Alaska and Europe. Shannon gave her daughters the gifts of happy memories and love. Emma and Laura are continuing their education at Albion College and Indiana University, respectively.
Shannon fought ovarian cancer with grace and dignity. She lost that battle on October 13, 2020.
Memorial services are scheduled at the family's church home, Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 11:00 am. You may also livestream at Livestream Link
Donations in Dr. Bongers’ honor can be made to the Wildlife Conservation Society at Charity Link.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Shannon Lyn Bongers, M.D. hosted by A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors.
Events
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Shannon Lyn Bongers, M.D..