Shawn Leigh Epstein has always had an amazing capacity for love and laughter. She passed away on November 3, 2024 surrounded by both immediate family and a loving circle of friends – the two were indistinguishable to Shawn. Together, they filled the night with joyful stories of Shawn and her well-lived life.

Shawn was born on February 12, 1956 into a family that taught her a deep appreciation for music. Her parents, Dickie and Shirley Perkins, insisted she play instruments. If you need a good laugh, just picture a young, rebellious Shawn marching in full uniform for her high school band. She might not have ever been able to sing the correct lyrics, but damn did she always love music.

Pursuit of knowledge always came easy to her. Shawn studied — but also partied — her way through the University of Missouri-Columbia earning a Master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. This is where she met many of her lifelong friends. These are the friends that she would grow with, share families with, travel with and, of course, eat and drink with.

To say Shawn was the life of the party is an understatement. She was a true beacon of joy that nobody could resist. Her sense of humor was disarming, her wit was creative and her arms were always extended for an embrace. Every summer she would welcome the neighborhood to her garden to celebrate the rose bush that she was so very proud of. The memorable gatherings only start there. There are too many delicious meals cooked from scratch to even begin to count. Interpretive dances in the living room. New Years Eves rang in. Oranges thrown like baseballs. Snuggles on the couch. Wine flowed. Her door was always open to anyone lucky enough to walk through. An open door policy was emblematic of the way she lived. 

Survived by her husband Alan, her children — the light of her world — Vanessa, Hannah, Lauren and the new addition Adam, sister Tara Webber and a sleuth of friends that count as family, Shawn “Perky” was love and light in the most meaningful ways. We are all better for knowing her. We will all love her forever.

Thank you for everything, mom. You are the sweet center of the watermelon.

For tributes, either the Sr Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, a local organization that helps cancer victims and their families in research, prevention and care. https://www.mensgroupagainstcancer.org/How-You-Can-Help/Tributes

Or to The Missouri Botanical Garden, Shawn’s passion and favorite place to spend a day https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/donate/commemorative-giving