The soul of Shan Symoniak was received into heaven on Monday, June 4, 2007, a blessing and reward for her unselfish life on earth. Shan was born on December 12, 1936, in De Pere, Wis., daughter of the late Louis and Adella (Thomson) McAbee. She grew up one of eight children on a farm, which provided the foundation for her family based life. Shan met the love of her life, Len, 26 years ago. Their lives often centered around their children and their families. They enjoyed traveling, especially to the local casino. She has been a resident of Niagara for 39 years. Shan was a religious education teacher for St. Anthony's Catholic Church, three years for 2nd grade and two years of C.C.D. for sophomores. She was also active as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and served as Association Chairman for Bay de Lac and Homemakers Club. She enjoyed children for their clear view of life and treasured the time together with her children and grandchildren. Shan was employed at Grede Foundry for twenty-one years. She enjoyed her retirement with her knitting and crocheting. As a member of the Shawl Ministry she made prayer shawls for individuals in need. Some people make slippers, Shan made "Muffies" and filled each stitch with love that wraps your foot in a hug of warmth. She was also an avid book reader. The love she shared with her husband was exemplified in their final challenge together, lung cancer. Tough times made easier by their love. She leaves in God's hands her husband Leonard; four children Richard (Julie) Heckman and their children, Nicole (daughter, Gabrielle), Melissa and Kristel (Shane) Thrash, Randall (Aggie) Heckman and their children, Beth, Trista, Kimberly, and Richard, Jeffrey (Jane) Heckman and their child, Steve, Jill (Timothy) Heckman-Jones and their children, Lindsay and Mackenzie; two sisters, Nancy Kust, Lydia Lee (Dennis) Yanda; two brothers, Louis (Pauline) McAbee, Ronald (Sheryl) McAbee; other relatives and friends. Besides her parents, Shan was preceded in death by three brothers, Norbert (Marilyn) McAbee, Roger (Julie) McAbee, and Donald (Cindy) McAbee. Shan will be greatly missed by family, friends, her beloved grandbabies, and great-grandbaby, Gabby. I am at home in heaven, dear ones; Oh so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light, all the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever. There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand; do it now, while life remaineth- you shall rest in God's own land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, oh, the joy to see you come! Visitation will be Wednesday, June 6, 2007, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Jacobs Funeral Home, Niagara Chapel. Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Shan's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com The Jacob Funeral Home, Niagara Chapel is serving the family.