Obituary of Shannon L. Harkins

" Shannon L. Harkins, 19, of Wilson St., died February 18, 2007 as a result of an automobile accident. Born on October 14, 1987 in Springfield, MA she has lived in Palmer since she was seven years old. Shannon graduated from Palmer High School in 2006. While in high school she was very active as the captain of the swim team, playing tennis, field hockey, a member of SADD and was a part of the Honor Society. She was currently a freshman at UMASS Dartmouth majoring in Marine Biology and was on the swim team. Shannon had a big heart and enjoyed volunteering in Palmer for a therapeutic riding program for disabled children and at a food pantry in New Bedford. Shannon was a wonderful person who strived for excellence in everything she did. She loved animals and was a Red Sox and Patriots fan. She will be greatly missed by her mother Dorothy Lech and her stepfather John of Palmer, her father Kevin Harkins and stepmother Marilyn of Enfield, CT, maternal grandparents Gordon and Bonnie Emerson of Wales and paternal grandparents Philip and Frances Harkins of South Yarmouth, MA. She also leaves step grandparents Margo and Tommy Dranka of Palmer and Walter Lech of Thorndike as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A funeral service will be Thursday 10:00 a.m. in the Second Congregational Church of Palmer, followed by burial in Sts. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4:00-8:00pm. Donations in her memory may be made to the MSPCA-Angel, Union St., Springfield, MA or Greyhound Options, 43 Sygiel, Ware, MA 01082. "