- Date Of Birth: December 10, 1930
- Date Of Death: October 16, 2012
- State: Illinois
E. Muriel Shennan, 81, of Jacksonville, IL died Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at Heritage Health in Jacksonville.
She was born December 10, 1930 in Chicago, IL; the daughter of Alexander Gordon and Agnes Sinclair Shennan. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Muriel was a 1952 graduate of MacMurray College and received her master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois. She served as a resident counselor for DePauw University from 1953-60, as assistant dean of women for both Kent State University from 1960-65 and University of Denver from 1965-66, and as dean of women for West Liberty State University from 1966-75. She moved to Jacksonville in 1975 as the Associate Dean of Students for MacMurray College. In 1980, she embarked upon a mid-life career change by joining the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, serving as Intercountry Adoption Coordinator instrumental in the placement of over 1,000 children. She retired in 1987.
With a keen interest in music, Muriel was a devoted officer and active member of Sweet Adelines for many years, past president of the Jacksonville-MacMurray Music Association, and was formerly involved in many theatrical and musical productions. She enjoyed many travel experiences and was a member of the St. Andrew’s Society due to her Scottish heritage. She was of the Presbyterian faith and a former member of the American Business Women’s Association.
In recognition of her service, Mac Murray College presented her with the Distinguished Alumna Award in 1987. She was also named to the Who’s Who Among American Women and received the 1984 Achievement Award from the National Council Of Adoptable Children.
