Clinic Clerk Was Dedicated To Equal Rights

Shannon Elizabeth Lowney knew the risks of being a receptionist at an abortion clinic, but relatives said she didn’t let the potential danger affect her dedication to women’s rights.

Lowney, 25, died Friday at a Planned Parenthood clinic in suburban Brookline when a man walked in, asked her if he was in the right place, then started shooting.

In Brookline, Lowney’s fiancee had to be supported by two other men as he walked up to the brownstone building to place flowers on the clinic’s steps. The couple was to wed next year.

“She was my whole world,” a teary-eyed David Keene said later. “I know Shannon harbors no ill will - even to the man who killed her. She never believed in violence. She could never feel malice toward anyone.”

The Lowneys gathered Friday night at the family’s home in Fairfield, Conn., where Shannon Lowney grew up and attended public schools.

“She died doing what she be lieved in,” said Liam Lowney, her 22-year-old brother.

“She was committed to - and worked to provide - women the right to choose,” he said.

“She gave freely of her talents and skills to help others. The world is less for her life to go out.”

Lowney had returned to work at the Planned Parenthood clinic nine months ago after a yearlong leave of absence to work with battered children in Maine.

She graduated magna cum laude from Boston College in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

Lowney was not deterred in her work by shootings and bombings at other abortion clinics, her brother said.

“She knew the potential consequences of holding a controversial job. She went to work every day anyway.”