Bonnie Burka Shannon

Bonnie Burka Shannon, daughter of Irving Burka, M.D., and Rose F. Burka (both deceased), left us too soon on 7/16/2018. She leaves behind her loving husband, Michael, of 31 years, and four incredible children: Cindy Shapiro (Jack Wall); Cathy Shapiro (Andy Scott); Robert Shapiro (Johanna) and Donald Shannon. She also leaves behind six beautiful grandchildren: Keaton Shapiro, Gracie Wall, Ruby Shapiro, Carter Scott, Leo Shapiro and Maya Shapiro; her brothers, Dr. Steven A. Burka, with whom she shared a most special bond, and his wife, beloved sister-in-law, Barbara; and Dr. Barrett Burka (JoAnne). Additionally, her loss is felt deeply by her dear nieces, nephews and cousins, especially Dr. Jenna Burka Hammer (Andrew), Dr. Douglas Burka, Sandra Bobb (Stanley), Janice Tichauer (Frank) Marilyn Bagel ((Tom), Dr. Paula Feldman and Jane Shapiro. Over the course of her life, Dr. Shannon made many friends of the heart, and, as Bon always said, they all knew who they were and what they meant in her life.

Bonnie Burka Shannon, M.S., M.S., Ph.D., LMFT, worked for many years for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a psychologist and administrator of District Psychological Services. Her portfolio included architect and first Coordinator of the LAUSD's ground-breaking Suicide Prevention Program, which included being nominated for an EMMY for a youth suicide prevention video she co-wrote. She also co-wrote books on gifted education and teacher and student manuals on the subject of youth suicide prevention. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she trained medical personnel in disaster preparedness via a FEMA grant and provided pro-bono bereavement counseling to those whose family members were dying of various forms of cancer. She was a consultant for school districts, other groups and individuals regarding educational and mental health issues. Additionally, she served for many years on the Board of Directors and as Co-Vice President of Programs for Long Beach-South Bay CA Assoc. of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT.) Additionally, she served on CAMFT’s statewide Continuing Education Committee. In addition to having obtained a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr. Shannon earned a certificate in Gerontology and Master’s degrees in Reading/Special Education and School Psychology, obtaining, as well, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.

Celebration of the Life of Bonnie Shannon
Please join us to celebrate and honor Bonnie Shannon

When: Sunday, August 26 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Horizon Room
21333 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503

RSVP by August 13 to mindiepruss@aol.com


Instead of flowers, please donate to the Go Fund Me, “Mental Health 4 Separated Children”.

If interested in speaking contact mindiepruss@aol.com