Laudonna K. Shanahan, 75, of Eldridge, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Bickford Cottage in Davenport, Iowa. Laudonna Kay Burroughs was born on July 3, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, daughter of Shannon and Ruth (Nowacheck) Burroughs. She spent her early years in Baldwin before moving to Maquoketa, where she completed her high school education at Maquoketa High School in 1967.
Her passion for beauty and creativity led her to pursue and obtain a cosmetology degree from a beauty school in Davenport. In 1968, she married Neil Shanahan in her hometown of Maquoketa, and together they welcomed two children, Brent and Traci, into the world. Although their union later ended in divorce, Laudonna found love once more with Kenny Felten, with whom she had her youngest child, Cole.
Professionally, Laudonna began her career owning and operating her own beauty shop in Baldwin. Later, she entered the workforce again, joining New Choices Inc. in Bettendorf, Iowa. There she served in the payroll and accounting department for over two decades, demonstrating her meticulousness and dedication until her retirement in December of 2017.
Laudonna cherished moments spent with her family, particularly reveling in the growth and accomplishments of her seven grandchildren. Laudonna’s love extended to her feline companions, with whom she shared her warm and welcoming home. She also was an avid reader, and maintained a love for walking, traveling, and listening to music.
She is survived by her children, Brent Shanahan of Bettendorf, Traci (Greg) Shanahan-Swanson of Davenport, and Cole (Morgan) Felten of Bettendorf. Her legacy of love will live on through her grandchildren, Finnegan, Callum, Brogan, Declan, Baiden, Bennett, and Paisley Kay.
Laudonna also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Sally Burroughs of DeWitt, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Kenny Burroughs, and a nephew, Butch Burroughs.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating her life will be held from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Laudonna K. Shanahan memorial fund has been established.
