Shannon Lynn Ottesen Evanson, age 34, passed away on April 23, 2021. She was born April 13, 1987 to Mary and Sterling Ottesen in Orem, Utah. Shannon married Brett Evanson on May 21, 2011 in the Logan, Utah temple. Shannon and Brett were blessed with two amazing daughters, Hadley Mae (9) and Elle Elizabeth (5). Shannon worked as a nurse in the New-Born Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and loved taking care of the new-born babies and their families during a difficult time. Shannon was spectacular at her job because of her ability to love so quickly and completely.

The only thing that could get her to leave the job she loved so much in the NICU was Hadley Mae. Shortly after Hadley was born, Shannon planned on returning to work on a part-time basis. It only took one day for Shannon to realize she could not be away from Hadley Mae for a full 12- hour shift at the hospital, and she graciously left her employment to care for her baby at home. Shannon loved being a mom and enjoyed every minute with Hadley and Elle. Shannon’s family was the focus of her life and the motivation for everything she did, and she did a lot!

While staying at home caring for Hadley, Shannon became aware of a neighbor in need who was dealing with the death of her child. Shannon quickly jumped in and helped in every way she could. After helping the mother and baby-sitting children, she still wanted to do more. Shannon decided to raise money for the family by making hair bows and selling them in the neighborhood. Shannon spent the next two days (literally 48 hours straight with little sleep) making and selling the bows. She was able to raise several hundred dollars to help cover medical and funeral expenses for the family. This act of service soon led to the next love in Shannon’s life, Sweet N Swag.

Shannon had some bows left over after the fundraiser and a close friend, Hollie, suggested she post them on Etsy. Sweet N Swag was born. Sweet N Swag started out as a small side project to serve as a creative outlet for Shannon and earn a little extra money to help pay off student loans more quickly. But Shannon never does anything small! Sweet N Swag quickly grew. Shannon loved creating new products and designing shoes/moccasins and saw it as an opportunity to help other stay-at-home moms make a little extra money on the side. Soon Shannon and Brett’s condo was full of neighborhood moms, bows, fabric, and sewing machines. The garage was turned into a warehouse storing hundreds of pairs of baby moccasins. Sweet N Swag continued to grow and employed several of Shannon’s family members and friends. Shannon loved working with her friends and spending time with them. Sweet N Swag became so successful that Brett left his law practice to help Shannon with the business and spend more time together as a family. About a year later it became more apparent why Shannon and Brett felt it was a good move to have Brett leave his law practice and be more available for Shannon and the girls.

Shannon was diagnosed in July 2017 with stage IV glioblastoma (brain cancer). After meeting with several doctors and specialists, Shannon was told the treatment options were extremely limited. There was nothing the doctors could do to save her life, but they felt that with surgery they could give her 6 more months. If you know Shannon, you know that no one tells her what she cannot do, and no doctor was going to tell her she only had 6 months left with Brett and her girls. Shannon went to work.

Shannon immediately agreed to brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. She then put in countless hours of research seeking alternative treatments. Brett and Shannon spent the next couple of years going to countless doctor’s appointments and pursuing every possible option for Shannon’s treatment. This led to some comical moments with Shannon trying to get Brett to drink apple cider vinegar or do hot yoga (hot yoga is way better than apple cider vinegar according to Brett). Shannon also demonstrated her discipline and self-mastery by following strict dietary protocols, all in an effort for more time with her family.

As great as her efforts were in pursuing medical treatments (traditional and alternative), Shannon’s faith-based efforts were even more impressive. Shannon was always a woman of faith and had a close relationship with her Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved serving in her church as a Young Women’s leader and teaching the Primary children. After her diagnosis she intensified her efforts and sought spiritual and emotional healing. Shannon’s faith never wavered as she sought a miracle to save her life, and she fully expected to receive a miracle. Shannon’s faith and prayers, along with those of her husband, daughters, family members, friends, and so many more were answered, just not in the way she expected. Even after 9 months of hospice and excruciating pain and physical trials, Shannon firmly trusted in the Lord and the plan He had for her.

Shannon’s life was spent serving and helping others. It is what truly brought her joy. She loved people and connecting with them. Shannon had the ability to love immediately and unconditionally when she met someone. As a result, she was richly blessed with numerous friends and loved to spend time with them. Shannon would often tell Brett about her best friend, no one had more best friends than Shannon. Those friends (and family members) helped sustain her through the last few months and were what brought her happiness in such difficult circumstances.

Shannon enjoyed playing volleyball, boating with her family, annual trips to Lake Powell, travel, photography, and any excuse to spend time with family and friends. She genuinely loved people. Shannon loved Brett, Hadley and Elle more than anything, and they (along with the rest of her family members) were her motivation and inspiration.

She is survived by her husband Brett, daughters Hadley and Elle, parents Sterling and Mary Ottesen, sisters Rachel, Kaylie (Spencer), brother Nathan (Jen), and grandmother, Carol Ottesen.

A viewing for friends and family will be held in Shannon’s honor on Wednesday, April 28th, from 6:00-8:00pm at Wing Mortuary (118 East Main Street, Lehi, UT). The funeral will be Thursday, April 29th, at 11:00am in the East Bench LDS Chapel (1631 East 900 North, Lehi, Utah). Shannon will then be laid to rest at approximately 4:00pm in the Malad City Cemetery in Malad, ID.

The service will be live streamed on the Wing Mortuary Facebook page, starting at 11:00 AM.