Shannon Motzel

Mary Shannon Motzel (nee Dooley) died peacefully on October 6, 2017, surrounded by loving family members, at the age of 87. Shannon was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and highly respected member of her community and church. She was born in Milwaukee to Harvey and Gertrude (nee Heidel) Dooley on August 8, 1930. Shannon spent her childhood in Milwaukee, West Bend, Florence County, Wisconsin, and Worthington, Ohio. In her youth she studied ballet, and is remembered as a talented and joyful performer.
Shannon graduated from the five-year nursing program at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1953. It was during her freshman year at St. Mary’s that she met her future husband, Dr. Albert Motzel, who was a senior at Notre Dame at the time. They married October 10, 1953. Shannon was a registered nurse at Milwaukee County Hospital, and worked as a supervisor at the Medical Pavilion of the Medical County Psychiatric Hospital while her husband completed his internship and residency.
They moved to Waukesha in 1958. Shannon volunteered in the health room at St. Mary’s Catholic School and Catholic Memorial High School, and taught physical education to children in grades 1 to 3. She was a committed volunteer, and served as president of both the Waukesha County Medical Auxiliary and Catholic Study Club, where she was the Spiritual Development Chairman for a number of years. She was an active member of the Christian Women’s Society at both St. Mary’s in Waukesha and St. Paul’s parish in Genesee. She also volunteered regularly at Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha.
Although community service was important to Shannon, her true vocation was motherhood. Nothing gave her greater joy than her husband and nine children. Instilling family values was paramount. Teaching, counseling, gardening and cooking were always at the top of her agenda.
Shannon is survived by Al, her husband of 64 years; children, Margie, Lisa, Paul (Jeanne), Mary (Ron), Mark (Wendy), Carol, Larry (Karen), Bill, and Tom (Tara); 34 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Bonnie Nielsen, Patricia Miller, and Michael P. Dooley; and granddaughter, Angela Motzel.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, S38 W31602 Hwy D, Waukesha, WI 53189 (corner of Hwy 83 and Hwy D in Genesee Depot). Father Dan Volkert will preside. Private interment will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery.In lieu of flowers memorials to ERAs Senior Network (formerly Interfaith Caregiving Network) 210 NW Barstow Street #101 Waukesha, WI 53188 are appreciated.
Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Service is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit us online at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.