Obituary of Mary Barbara Shaw

Shaw, Mary Barbara (nee Palmer) Barbara gently passed at St. Martha’s Hospital as the sun set on May 23, 2014. She was born in Moncton, N.B. on November 9, 1926 to parents Marguerite Currie and Harry Palmer. She had a charmed and peaceful childhood with her parents, younger brother Currie and her grandmother Alice Barbara Currie. At 17 years old, she left Moncton to attend St. Francis Xavier University. While there, she met her life’s love, William (Bill) Shaw. Upon graduation she became the teacher at a one-room schoolhouse in Berry Mills, N.B.; Barbara and Bill married in 1950 and the 60 year union was a most loving and devoted one. They created many happy memories, and children, in Joggins N.B., Ottawa, Trinidad and Louisiana. In 1968 they moved their family to Antigonish. Barbara was a quiet person and yet a great conversationalist. She enjoyed reading, playing the piano and singing in the church choir. She did beautiful handwork: sewing, knitting and needlepoint in turn over the years. Barbara’s decade of employment at the St. F.X. library was a source of great personal fulfillment. Every spring her colourful garden was enjoyed by passersby and by visitors on her veranda where tea was always served. She was an affectionate and caring parent who gave her children many opportunities; her reassuring voice and quiet demeanor were comforting in difficult times. Everyone who met her was touched by her kindness. Barbara loved the sun, a gentle breeze on her face and flowers. Barbara was predeceased by Bill in 2009. She will be forever missed for her gentle ways and loving support of her six children: Harry of Nanaimo, BC, Margaret (Joe Chernosky) of Maine, Joanne (Louis Plazzer) of Vancouver, William (Sandra) of Antigonish, Elizabeth (Brian MacGillivray) of Antigonish and Edie (Michael Ewald) of Halifax. Also mourning her passing are her brother Currie Palmer and his wife Marguerite Kane, her grandchildren Adam, Peter and Joanna MacGillivray (Ernie Pelley), Andrew and Luke Chernosky, Mairi and Emma Shaw, Lauchlin and William Ewald and great grandchildren Dom and Owen Pelley. Visitation will be held at MacIsaac’s Funeral Home, Antigonish, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 26. The celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at St. Ninian’s Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Green Meadows Senior’s Care Home for making Mom’s last year and a half restful and secure. The Shaw family is grateful for the care and expert skills of the staff of St. Martha’s Hospital and the faithful companionship of dear friend Rita Pelley.