Shana Dean Johnson Cunningham

Shana Dean Johnson Cunningham, our loving mother and grandma passed away at her home June 5, 2021, returning to the side of her husband and parents.

Shana was born at her home on Crystal Avenue in Salt Lake City October 28, 1936, to Reuben G. and Jessie B. Johnson. She married Jay Owen Cunningham, the guy with the cutest legs on the Granite High Basketball Team, December 13, 1958.

Shana worked in the Display Department for Auerbach’s Department Stores from the 1950’s until the stores closure in 1979, later working in Display for Weinstock’s Department Store. Shana loved her “second family” at Auerbach’s, especially her mentors Lorraine Briggs and LaRue Lyons.

Shana had a passion for decorating for the holidays, both in her home and at Auerbach’s. She had a great eye for style and detail and was a perfectionist in all she did. Shana always made sure her children were clean, pressed, and presentable. Her friends referred to her children as her “little mannequins”. From ironing baseball uniforms and gym clothes to the very best hand sewn Halloween costumes. She had a way of making simple things seem very elegant.

Shana’s family is what brought her the most joy. She never missed a band or choir concert, baseball game or wresting match. Birthdays were an extravaganza complete with personalized handmade cakes in the shape of cars, trucks, jack-o-lanterns, dolls and more. She loved fishing and camping with her family, especially the time we spent on the Upper Provo River. We will always remember these special times and how she made them memorable.

Shana was preceded in death by her husband Jay, father Reuben, mother Jessie, sisters Dorothy and LaRue, brothers Dick and Cliff.

Shana is survived by her children, Shawn and Kim, Bryan and Melissa, Patrick and Julie, Cydne and Shawn, Timothy and Jennifer; her grandchildren Alison, Jacob, Thekla, Will, Seth, Kloe, Heidi, Tess, Gabriel, Charlie, Wyatt, Kate; her great-grandchild Colt.

We love you mom and will miss you until we see you again.

We would like to thank Dr. Damian Domanski, Stefanie Dennison, and the caregivers from Summit Home Health & Hospice for their great care for our mother.

Graveside services will be held Saturday June 12 at 11:00 AM, Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Family and friends are welcome.