Barbara M. Shannon

Barbara Mary Shannon, 86, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, in the city she loved and proudly called home.

Born in Jersey City on May 5, 1940, Barbara was the beloved daughter of Alice and William Nagle. She was raised in Jersey City and remained deeply connected to her hometown throughout her entire life. Barbara carried the strength, pride, humor, and heart of Jersey City with her wherever she went. She was tough, sharp, fiercely loyal, and never afraid to speak her mind. She did not take nonsense from anyone, but beneath that strong spirit was a woman whose love for her family was constant, deep, and unwavering.

Barbara’s greatest joy in life was her family. Everything she did centered around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was the kind of mother and grandmother whose presence filled a room, whose voice was unmistakable, and whose love could be felt in both her tenderness and her toughness. She was also a second mother to many of her children’s friends, offering them the same loyalty, honesty, and care that she gave to her own family.

Barbara worked as a lunch lady at St. John the Baptist School, where she became well known and loved by the children. Her personality, humor, and no nonsense way made her unforgettable to generations of students. In the 1990s, she was proudly nominated as Honorary Irishwoman of the Year, a recognition that reflected not only her spirit, but the affection and respect so many had for her.

She loved bingo, dancing, and cheering on her teams. Barbara was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, a loyal Yankees fan, and a proud Notre Dame fan. She followed her teams with passion, celebrated their victories, and never hesitated to share her opinions. Whether she was watching a game, dancing, spending time with family, or enjoying the simple comfort of being surrounded by the people she loved, Barbara lived with strength, pride, and heart.

Barbara will be remembered as fierce and loyal, strong and loving, sharp and unforgettable. She persevered through life’s struggles with courage and determination. She was a woman who stood her ground, protected the people she loved, and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Barbara is survived by her loving children, Laura Viray and her husband Ramon, Christine Shannon, Patricia Shannon, and Sean Shannon and his wife Giovanna; her cherished grandchildren, Alexis, Amanda, Jared, Emily, Alyssa, and Gabriella; her adored great grandchildren, Dean and Aria; and her dear siblings, Alice Wagner and Dennis Nagle.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Thomas C. Shannon; her beloved children, Michael Shannon and Thomas Shannon; her parents, Alice and William Nagle; and her siblings, William Nagle, Donald Nagle, Charlie Nagle, David Nagle, Doris Hatfield, and Patricia Patterson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home, Jersey City. For GPS, please use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Cremation will be private.