Obituary of Marian Hagan Concannon

Marian 'GG' Concannon grew up in San Angelo, Texas. She graduated from Texas Christian University at the young age of 20 and started her lifelong passion for social work with the American Red Cross. In 1945, she met and married a young Naval Aviator, Lt. Commander James Noel Concannon, in Los Angeles, CA. After leaving the Navy, they settled in Tucson, AZ where they raised their six children. In 2014, Jim passed away, and on July 6, 2018, Marian reunited with her beloved husband in heaven. She had lived a full and adventurous life for 95 years and we were all blessed to have known her. GG, who earned this nickname for being the Greatest Grandmother, was always smiling. No one was happier to be alive than Marian Concannon. She brought joy, adventure, and laughter to everyone she knew. In addition to her husband Jim, three of Jim's and GG's children preceded her in death; Larry at age 59, Eileen at age 7, and Kerry at age 64, as well as her eldest grandchild, James Noel, II at age 37. Although it was heartbreaking for her to see her husband, children, and grandchild pass before her, those of us still on earth are comforted by knowing she is once again reunited with her loved ones in heaven. GG will be greatly missed, especially by the family and friends she leaves behind. Her loss is most deeply felt by her immediate surviving family: JIM & GG's CHILDREN: Kevin Concannon (Terry) Colleen Concannon (Bob Majors) Matthew Concannon Son in law Donald Vath JIM AND GG's GRANDCHILDREN: Gwynette Vath Hall (Rich) Trese Concannon Moylan (Liam) Kevin Concannon, Jr. (Sarah) Warner Vath Colleen Concannon Foose (Dan) Adam Vath (Allie) Maura Concannon Shockey (Wayne) Joseph Concannon Patrick Concannon (Erin) Kiera Levenson (Aaron) JIM & GG'S GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Raina Concannon (16) Claire Hall (15) Grace Concannon (15) Morgan Behie (14) Kylie Behie (14) James Noel Concannon, III (13) Lyon Hall (12) Kai Concannon (6) Keoni Concannon (5) Kasen Concannon (3) Peyton Vath (3) Saoirse Moylan (3) Dietrich Foose (2) Savinah Concannon (1) Kevin McDara Moylan (1) Arwen Foose (<1) Tessa Claire Concannon (<1) ..…and more on the way! GG was a voracious community volunteer. She started her lifelong dedication to the Tucson Community as a social worker at St. Elizabeth of Hungry Clinic where she assisted hundreds of less fortunate residents receive the care and services necessary for their survival. When her children went to school, GG went to volunteer her time and talents to help others. Through the decades, she volunteered hundreds of hours making corned beef sandwiches at the annual Octoberfest with Kerry and the rest of the family, working for years in numerous nursing homes to improve quality of life for the disabled and elderly residents, serving Catholic Charities, assisting teachers and staff at her offspring's schools through three generations, hosting dignitaries from foreign lands in her and Jim's home, and supporting community scout troops, as well as youth football and baseball leagues, just to name a few. GG was a never-ending animal lover. There was never a time when her home was absent of some sort of animal companions. The collection included dogs of every mixture, cats, birds, pet rats, chickens, and even an alligator and monkey. When the monkey became too 'adventurous', GG convinced Kevin (who was the original recipient of Sally as a gift) to donate Sally to the Reid Park Zoo where Sally produced seven babies for the Zoo during her lifetime. GG was very proud of her Irish roots. She spent decades supporting the Irish community and accompanying many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren to Irish dancing classes and feiseanna. Nothing GG loved more than being an announcer at these events. The family's St. Patrick's Day Party was one of her favorite events, although nothing was more fun to GG than 'working' at Kevin and Terry's Haunted House on Halloween. GG loved to greet the Trick-or-Treaters as they entered the spooky front door. Her love of humor and good old fun was just part of her Irish heritage. GG was also a great traveler. She took every opportunity to pack her bags and explore the world whenever she could. If anyone was planning a trip, GG was ready and willing to participate whenever she could. No one, and we mean no one, liked to get up and go more than Marian Concannon. Sitting at home was not her idea of living. She never tired of getting out of the house, even when she was limited to a wheelchair, Matthew always made sure she accompanied him on his adventures. She was a world class shopper! From unique shops in foreign lands to thrift stores in Tucson, GG would tirelessly browse the aisles. Even in her 90's she could outlast the best of us. Larry Concannon, jokingly said that whenever school applications asked for Mother's occupation, he always wanted to fill in the blank with 'Professional Shopper'. GG was also an excellent school tutor. She helped many a student, both family and friends, with writing papers and completing research projects. She was just one of those people that was always there to help you out. She had the energy of at least two Energizer bunnies wrapped into her small frame. How we will miss her! GG loved the Wildcats. Even though she was a TCU grad, she was a Wildcat in her heart. Most everyone can remember visiting with her at a Tailgate party. Life was comprised of many joyful parties for Marian Concannon. She certainly had her share of struggles and disappointments, but she always found a way to regain her strength, pick herself up, and keep living. It took 95 years to finally slow her down. We will miss you, GG. You were the tower of strength on which we depended. You were kind, generous, loving, and full of life. You taught us how to live and enjoy the many blessings we have been given. You gave us our faith, our strength, and you built our character. If we are considered good people, it is because you demanded it of us. As long as we are alive, you are alive in us. We will strive to make you proud of us in our deeds and in our actions. If anyone can reach down from heaven and guide us, it will be you. Please keep your eyes on us, we need your continued guidance. We love you, GG. Please rest in peace……and we just hope heaven has a gift shop!