Eggen, Shayne 1963 - 2020

EGGEN, VOU VAKIS, QUAS, THOMPSON, REIRDEN, JEWELL

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:42

Shayne Eggen, age 56 of Independence, IA, and formerly of Decorah, was freed on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at Buchanan County Hospital in Independence.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Shayne was born August 13, 1963, in Detroit, MI, to Donald and Elizabeth (Vou Vakis) Eggen. She attended school in Michigan until the family moved to Decorah in 1975 at the age of 12 and began attending Decorah Schools. Shayne later earned her GED.
Shayne was struck with severe mental illness at a young age, becoming trapped in a system that struggled to support her unique and often difficult needs. She spent time in prison, at Bremwood in Waverly, IA, Andrew Jackson Care Facility in Bellevue, IA, Hillcrest Residential Center in Dubuque, IA, and many years at MHI in Independence, IA. After her 25th year battling schizophrenia, Shayne lost her sight but she never lost her ability to light up a room with her infectious smile, witty comments, remarkable understanding of humor, and detailed recollection of the past. Shayne's story is featured in the book Crazy in America by Mary Beth Pfeiffer and served as a feature article a number of years ago in the Des Moines Register concerning the mental health system in Iowa. Shayne loved art, especially drawing and making bead necklaces, horses, and listening to and singing rock music.

Shayne was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah. Inurnment will be in the St. Benedict Cemetery next to her Aunt Patricia who served as her guardian and advocated for Shayne's best interests for many years.

She is survived by her mother: Elizabeth Vou Vakis, Oakland Township, MI. Sisters: Alana Eggen, Clawson, MI, Stacey (Keith Story) Eggen, Durant, OK, and Marcy (Jeff) Quas, Oakland Township, MI. Brother: Lance (Rebecca) Eggen, Rochester Hills, MI. Nieces and nephews: Layna Thompson, Courtney Reirden, Tyler Reirden, Andrew Quas, Maria Quas, Anthony Quas, Angelo Quas, Nicole Eggen, and Kayla Eggen. Great nephew: Colton Reirden. Guardian and cousin: Dana (Jason) Bockman, Decorah, IA.

Shayne was preceded in death by her father: Donald Eggen in 2003. Guardian, Advocate, and Aunt: Patricia Jewell in 2016. Maternal Grandparents: John and Ruth Vou Vakis. Paternal Grandparents: Harvey and Vivian Eggen.

Gifts or memorials in Shayne's honor may be sent to NAMI or an organization of your choosing that advocates for and supports those living with a mental illness.

Shayne bravely battled - long and hard, conflicted by the human will to live and the terror that drove her to want to escape the prison that was her reality. She found resolution today, and with it has ended our torture. She is my heroine, never ceasing to be the kind, compassionate, and empathetic soul who struggled in the darkness, physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically to demonstrate these attributes. ~ Elizabeth Vou Vakis

Source: Schluter-Balik Funeral Home database

St. Benedict Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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