Shannon Marie Romanchuk Saturno
Shannon was born to Gene and JeanMarie Romanchuk, has a younger brother Eric, and grew up in West Babylon, New York, spending her school years in the West Babylon School District. During high school, Shannon served four years as her class president, twice as a student ambassador representing the school district on two overseas foreign exchange programs, and graduated with high honors. Early on, Shannon was a cheerleader for the West Babylon Conference League, but then she developed a love for dance where she spent many years dancing at the June Claire Dance Center.
One of Shannon’s favorite places was the beach. She worked for the Town of Babylon at Cedar Overlook Beach for approximately six years. In 2017, the Town of Babylon dedicated a “pink” playground in her honor at Overlook Beach. It’s a place where family and friends can meet to remember and celebrate Shannon’s life. Additionally, in 2017, Shannon was inducted into the West Babylon Alumni Hall of Fame.
Shannon received a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Mount Saint Mary College and her Master’s Degree in Literacy from Long Island University. Shannon was a 3rd Grade Special Education teacher in the Babylon Memorial Grade School. She loved working with children and was exceptional at working with students with disabilities. Her kindness and patience made her a favorite to many students and colleagues.
On February 2, 2007, Shannon met the love of her life, they were engaged at Disney World in April 2009, and married on July 15, 2011. In August of 2013, while in her 6th month of pregnancy, Shannon was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Shannon immediately started treatments while pregnant and on November 12th, 2013, gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Siena Hope. Shannon was in remission for a short time when the cancer returned. During her entire journey, Shannon openly shared her story across social media platforms, fought each and every day, while inspiring others to do the same.
In May of 2016, she was transferred to Hospice and remained positive and kept her strong faith in God. Sadly, Shannon lost her battle with cancer on July 10, 2016, but the cancer never took her will, her spirit, nor her determination to fight for and love all of those close to her. Shannon was put to rest on July 15, 2016, which would have been her 5th wedding anniversary.
Since her passing, Shannon’s memory and spirit continue to inspire those affected with this horrible disease. Shannon worked closely with First Company Pink, a non-profit organization, where her battle with cancer was depicted in the video below.
This video is played in schools around the Long Island to promote awareness to students to check themselves, find out and know their family’s history, and not be afraid to talk about cancer.
On Friday, August 2, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo enacted Shannon’s Law, sponsored by Senator Monica R. Martinez (D-Brentwood), which is a bill requiring insurance companies to cover annual mammogram screenings for New Yorkers ages 35 to 39 when it is deemed medically necessary. This legislation is named in honor of Shannon.
Shannon did and continues to inspire many. Her legacy will live on and Siena Hope will always know what a loving, caring, and compassionate Mother she has.