Heidi Shaughnessy

Heidi Joan (Koos) Shaughnessy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister passed away peacefully at home in Rochester, MN on June 9th at the age of 62 after seven brave years battling cancer. Heidi was born in Minneapolis, MN on August 23, 1955. She was the second child of Dr. Gerald and Mary Jo Koos. Heidi was a humble scholar and talented athlete, compassionate nurse, active volunteer and steadfast friend to many. She graduated Neil Armstrong High School (1974), then St. Olaf College (1978) where she received her B.S.N. degree and met her husband of 37 years, William Shaughnessy. Together they drew great joy in raising their two children and spent many years poolside cheering them on and volunteering at the club, high school, and university levels. They enjoyed music, theater, the outdoors, gatherings with family and friends, and traveling to visit their children and grandchildren. An accomplished athlete, Heidi ran track and swam in high school and received the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Athena Athletic Award. She continued her swimming career in college, setting records in backstroke and, in 1978, was among the first St. Olaf women to ever compete at the AIAW Division II Women's National Swimming Championships. Following college, Heidi's nursing work included Ebenezer in Minneapolis, MN, St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN, and Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Madison, WI. After she and her husband moved to Rochester in 1984 Heidi applied her nursing knowledge, compassion, masterful organization skills, and welcoming gentle countenance to volunteer work for the Ronald McDonald House and Mayo Clinic Hospice. She also volunteered at St. John's Catholic School, Zumbro Lutheran Church, the Rochester Swim Club, Med-City Aquatics and served as a board member for the University of Minnesota "Fast-Lane Fans" Swimming and Diving Booster Club. She had a particular love for the outdoors and enjoyed canoeing, hiking, and camping with her family. She cherished walks in her neighborhood and along Rochester trails with friends, and she cultivated a beautiful home garden in Rochester for over 35 years. Her sparkling blue eyes, gentle grace, and ever appreciative ways blessed those fortunate to meet and know her. She drew great joy from time with family and friends, and she will ever be held closely in our hearts. Heidi departed with profound gratitude for the care she received through the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Hospice as well as the support of her family, friends and the swimming and diving community. Heidi is survived by her husband William; son Michael (Alyssa) and granddaughter Amery of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter Jenny Shaughnessy Ferris (Robert) and grandson Lucas of Boulder, CO; mother, Mary Jo Koos of Duluth, MN; brothers Shaun (Kathleen) of Wenatchee, WA, Zane (Evia) of Duluth, MN, Tyler of Cass Lake, MN and Fletcher (Carol) of Duluth, MN, and sister Dr. Kirsten Koos of Apple Valley, MN, as well as 9 nephews and 15 nieces. Heidi was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Gerald Koos. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN at a later date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mayo Clinic Division of Medical Oncology, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church (624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN) on July 14th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com