Shaun O’Meara

Shaun Marie O’Meara, born Shaun Marie Larkin to Philip Joseph and Mary Eileen Larkin on January 1, 1940, passed away on January 15, 2025. Shaun was living independently at Christian Community Homes in Hudson, Wisconsin, where she celebrated her 85th birthday with her family on New Year’s Day.

Shaun was the oldest of nine children in a prominent Irish-Catholic family in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from Heelan High School in 1957 and Briar Cliff College in 1961. She worked as a receptionist at the family business, Larkin Funeral Home, during the school year and a camp counselor in the summer. After college, Shaun moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she taught 5th grade in St. Louis Park. Through a roommate she met her soon-to-be husband, Thomas Raymond O’Meara.

Shaun and Tom married in 1964 and had their first of three children in 1967. They moved to Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, where they raised their children and Shaun worked first as a volunteer then as a social worker at the local church. She treasured her family and friends above all else and remained a devoted Catholic throughout her life. Shaun was an avid reader and card player. She also enjoyed doing crafts and baking desserts with her children, socializing with friends and her siblings, and taking family vacations during the summer.

In 1990, Shaun and Tom moved to a lakefront home in Hayward, Wisconsin, where she welcomed her children, grandchildren, and extended family to visit as much as possible. It was here she also discovered her love of and talent for painting. In 1999, Tom was diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension and Shaun cared for him until his death in 2006. She never remarried. In 2015, she moved to Christian Community Homes where she was much beloved. In the final decades of life, even as she endured significant health problems, Shaun found great joy in her grandchildren and did not let limitations keep her from holiday celebrations, milestone events or even pizza night. Throughout her life, she has graced family and friends with her lively presence and brought people together.

Shaun has been preceded in death by her husband: Thomas O’Meara, parents: Philip Larkin and Mary Eileen Larkin, and siblings: Michael Larkin, Kevin Larkin, and Lael Larkin. She is survived by her children: Bridget O’Meara, Michael O’Meara (Karen O’Meara), and Kathleen O’Meara (Todd Wulf); her grandchildren: Jacob, Kayla, Joshua (Katherine), Samuel, Sinead, Maria, Elizabeth, Katherine, and Eileen; and her first great-grandchild: Lucia. She is also survived by her siblings: Maureen O’Meara (David O’Meara), Eugene Larkin (Nancy Larkin), Kerry Larkin, Dennis Larkin, and Padraic Larkin.

Shaun O’Meara’s funeral and memorial service will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by mass, and luncheon at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson, Wisconsin. The service will be livestreamed HERE for those unable to attend in person.