Margaret MERLE O’Shaughnessy R.N.
(Nee Greenaway)
1917-2012
Our beautiful mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Merle, age 95, passed away peacefully at the Summerland Seniors Village on Saturday, July 14, 2012 where she was so lovingly cared for. Mom was born June 30, 1917 in Pettapiece, Manitoba to Lloyd and Cordelia Greenaway. Predeceased by her husband, Bill (1993); brothers Maurice, Glen (Marj) and Willis (Mona) Greenaway and brothers’ in law Earl (Marg), George, Howie (Esther) and Marvin (Mary) O’Shaughnessy. Besides her three children and their families, Merle will be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, wonderful neighbours, and sisters in law, Kay O’Shaughnessy of Winnipeg and Phyllis Greenaway of Hamiota, Mb.
Mom was educated in Cardale and Oak River, Manitoba and then followed her childhood dream by becoming a registered nurse, graduating in 1940 from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing. Her career began in Orthopedics at the WGH followed by a year with VON and then six years of private duty nursing. She was a pioneer in Occupational Health nursing, working in the T. Eaton Co.’s seventh floor hospital in Winnipeg for six years. Before retiring to Summerland in 1977, Mom ended her active nursing career as the Evening Supervisor at Winnipeg’s Rehabilitation Hospital. She married our dad, Bill, in 1942 and they soon settled in West Kildonan, becoming active in Kildonan United Church. In Summerland, Mom was a valued member of so many organizations - the Garden Club, Pleasure Painters, Drop-In Centre, Peer Counseling, Healing Touch, Trans Canada Trail Assoc., Marie’s Tai Chi & UCW, among others. As well, she & Dad, volunteered with the Drop-In Centre when its members manned Summerland’s First Tourist Information Booth. As members of the Summerland United Church, Mom and Dad were active participants in the creation & implementation of Summerland’s Food Bank in 1984. Merle also spent many hours assisting visitors in our Art Gallery; cutting hair at Parkdale Place and taking blood pressures at the Drop-In. Honouring her gentle spirit, her Christian values and her memory are her son Michael (Louise) of Winnipeg, son Gary of Edmonton and daughter Sharon (Carl) of Summerland. Her six cherished grandchildren are Nyree O’Shaughnessy of Winnipeg, David, Patrick & Ryan O’shaughnessy & Chelsea (Jason) Bronevitch of Edmonton, and Travis (Cheryl) Bronevitch of Dugald, Mb. Pictures of her great-grandchildren Tyler, Jared & wee Shaun always brought a smile from mom during her final days. She loved God, she loved nature and she loved all of us... We are so blessed. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Summerland United Church Memorial Fund or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A service of remembrance will be held Wednesday, July 25th, in Summerland United Church at one thirty pm with Rev. Elaine Diggle officiating.