Jeanne Shaw
SHAW, Jeanne Elizabeth (nee Saunders)
1921 – 2014
Jeanne Shaw, age 93, passed away in Calgary on Friday, September 12, following a recent stroke, supported by her loving family. She was born in Lacombe, Alberta, and grew up on the homestead of her late father, Howard Saunders and mother Janet (nee Henderson), who had come to Canada as a Scottish war bride. Jeanne was the loving and much-loved wife of the late (2006) G.E. (Gardie) Shaw for 63 years. As a young and intrepid wife, she accompanied her husband on the sometimes harrowing work of building the Alaska Highway, shot-hole drilling in Saskatchewan and numerous other business ventures. For most of their lives, they made their home in Calgary. Jeanne and Gardie were inseparable and dynamic partners who joyfully shared life together. Jeanne was the wonderful mother of four children: Wayne Edward Shaw (Marilyn Pilkington) of Toronto; the late Robert Lee Shaw, who died in a tragic industrial accident as a young man; Judy Christine Heynen (John) of Calgary; and Pamela Jeanne Tronson (John) of Los Angeles. Each of her children remember with great affection and appreciate all that their Mother did for them growing up. She celebrated and enjoyed each of her grandchildren: Meredith Sarah and Robert Edward Shaw (Toronto); Robert John, Jared Luke and Stephen Joel Heynen (Calgary); and Emily Jeanne and Avery Lee Tronson (Los Angeles). Jeanne was the eldest of eight children, and remained close to her siblings all her life: the late Lee and Vernice Saunders (Lacombe); the late Roy and Lorna Saunders (Nanaimo, BC); Charles and Marie Saunders (Calgary); Herbert and Evelyn Saunders (Port McNeil, BC); Margaret Kinley (and the late Harlin) (Calgary); Hazel Young (and the late Howard) (Red Deer, AB); and Donald (and the late Mable) Saunders (Nanaimo, BC). She enjoyed her many nieces and nephews, their spouses, children and grandchildren, and delighted in the reunions of the expanding Saunders family held every three years. Jeanne was predeceased by her parents-in-law, Norris Edward and Carrie Shaw of Lacombe, and by her brothers- in-law Morris Shaw (and the late Carolyn) (Lacombe), and Norris Shaw (Lethbridge). She is survived by Norris' widow, Irma, and by brother-in-law Harvey Shaw (Audrey) of Calgary. The many children and grandchildren of the Shaw families were always very special to her. Jeanne and Gardie both had a great gift for friendship. They had a wide circle of friends, including many treasured and life-long relationships. Jeanne was a wonderful homemaker, and their homes were always open and welcoming, whether in Calgary, at their acreage in DeWinton, AB, or in the warmth of the winters in Phoenix, Arizona. They had many special friends who enriched their life. Beyond the home, Jeanne was a Calgary enthusiast. With Gardie, she contributed to many civic, community and church initiatives. They were active in Rotary and Rotary International. She was the first woman to serve as the Clerk of Session at Parkdale United Church, and subsequently was an active member of McDougall United Church, where she took a particular interest in developing programs for youth and seniors. Jeanne was fortunate to live a long, full and good life. Those who knew her are the better for it. Although she experienced deep tragedy, she had the strength and faith that fosters resilience, and the optimism that supports happiness. The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Lake Bonavista Village for their kindness and support, and the physicians and nursing staff of Rockyview Hospital for their excellent care and counsel during her final days. Arrangements entrusted to McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, Alberta. Memorial Services will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street S.E.) on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.
