Madeline Shappell

Madeline Louise Shappell, 75, of Paola, Kansas, passed away on June 8, 2026.

Madeline was born on February 11, 1951, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, to C.M. Moore, Jr. and Betty (Lagalle) Moore. She graduated from Notre Dame de Sion High School and went on to build a life defined by hard work, kindness, and a deep love for both people and animals.

On January 4, 1978, she married the love of her life, Richard Shappell. Together they built a life filled with adventure, family, and more than a few four-legged companions. Richard preceded her in death on March 15, 2023, after 45 years of marriage.

Many people knew Madeline through her years as a self-employed dog groomer, a profession that perfectly matched her love of animals. Later, she worked for the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, where she remained until her retirement in October 2014. Following retirement, she and Richard moved to Paola, Kansas.

To know Madeline was to know someone who never met a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, and usually did. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and and expressing a genuine interest in their stories. Whether she was talking about dogs, horses, birds, family, or simply catching up with a new friend, her warmth was unmistakable.

Animals were one of the great passions of her life. She loved them all, from the dogs she groomed and showed to the horses she competed with over the years. Her beloved Brussels Griffon, Chewy, remained a constant source of companionship and joy.

Madeline is survived by her daughter, Mary Lynne Driver (Ed); her stepsons, Scott Shappell (Matt Fineout) and Jim Shappell (Sarah); her sisters, Mary Betty Knackstedt (Larry) and Susie Overton; her grandchildren, Ariana Cabañas (Mario), Jesse Driver, Ali Shappell, and Kyla Chaffee (Tyler); and her great-grandchildren, Jackson Cabañas, Mia Cabañas, and Ezekiel Cabañas.

She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly and countless friends whose lives were brighter because she was part of them.

A celebration of life will be held at Kaskaskia Place, 8 East Kaskaskia in Paola on Monday, June 22nd from 5-8 pm. All are welcome.

To share your memories of Madeline or to send a special condolence message to her family, please visit the Guestbook below.