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SHAUNNA O'BRIEN-MORAN (BLACK)
Born: Aug 01, 1964
Date of Passing: Jun 05, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySHAUNNA O'BRIEN-MORAN (nee BLACK) With the love of her life at her side, our incredible Shaunna passed away quietly in the dawn of June 5, 2012 at the age of 47. In her final hours she was surrounded by her children, parents, family and friends. While we cannot imagine a life without her, we also cannot imagine what our lives would look like without knowing her. Her beauty, generous spirit and incredible strength will remain firmly etched in our memories, and our souls. Shaunna was born in Atikokan, Ontario on August 1, 1964 to Aileen and Jim Black. There, she and her younger sister Moira enjoyed a wonderful childhood, with many, many summers spent at the family camp'. In 1973, the family moved to Thunder Bay where she lived through her teenage years excelling in academics, sports, music and socializing. Her involvement in gymnastics extended from participant to coach and judge. Musical achievements came in the form of completing her Grade 8 Piano and playing percussion in the high school band. Whatever she engaged in, Shaunna was a beacon of joy who attracted friends that would remain so for life. She maintained valued friendships that were nurtured every summer at Eva Lake, where all her birthday parties took place. She was a great reader from an early age, an enjoyable escape that continued until the loss of her vision in her late 30s. Shaunna moved to Winnipeg in 1983 to attend the University of Manitoba where she studied Literature and Women's Studies. It was at the University of Manitoba that she met Richard O'Brien-Moran, and in what was no surprise to anyone that ever saw them together ... they were engaged in six weeks. They married in 1987, in Thunder Bay and continued their great adventure in Winnipeg for the next 25 years less a month. Shaunna's professional life was defined by her love of film. Like Richard, she was an vital part of the film industry of Manitoba. They began their careers together and were integral pieces of what was then only a small group of dedicated creators. Shaunna was the first Executive Director of M.M.P.I.A., the precursor to Onscreen Manitoba. She left M.M.P.I.A. to work as a freelance production coordinator and production manager before joining Credo Group where she worked in business affairs and finally as executive in charge of Production. Their daughter Zoe was born in 1990, and son, Griffin in 1995. Together as a family they lived life to its fullest, going on many family vacations, riding many roller coasters, swimming in many oceans, and sitting on many beaches. She contracted Multiple Sclerosis in the early 1990s but refused to allow it to define her. Shaunna dismissed the hardships of travelling great distances and with her beloved Richard who captained their adventures, she travelled across Australia, the South Pacific and the Caribbean to satisfy her appetite for life and increasing the challenge by learning to scuba dive. After she could no longer physically handle full time work, she stayed actively engaged with a community she loved and devoted her time to family, friends, CBC Radio and endless audiobooks, about which she always had much to say. No one who knew Shaunna ever felt that she did not care for them, and would ever judge them. She was always there to see everyone through their most wonderful days, and darkest hours. Through no-coercion on her part, Shaunna elicited confessions from friends and strangers who felt compelled to tell her their deepest secrets, fears and dreams. Endlessly positive and optimistic, she fought to the bitter end. We will love her, and miss her, madly, every day but by no one more than her husband Richard O'Brien-Moran, daughter Zoe, son Griffin, parents Aileen and Jim Black, sister and brother-in-law Moira and David Essa, sister-in-law Louise O'Brien-Moran. In addition, Shaunna leaves behind her Uncle and Aunt Neil and Dianne Douglas, cousins Stewart and Trevor Douglas as well as Trevor's wife, Nicole and their children. Shaunna's loss will also be felt by the very large family and extended family she joined when she married Richard. Shaunna was predeceased by her grandparents, John and Helen Douglas and Bill and Mildred Black. We thank the staff at Klinic and in particular Dr. Mike Dillion as well as the Victoria General Hospital 4th Floor North team for the support and care she received over the years, especially during the last few months. Our thanks go to everyone who assisted Shaunna and her family at home through the years and in particular Louise Cameron, Nancy Doerkson and Laura Alverez. A memorial service celebrating Shaunna's life will take place Saturday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard. We welcome all who have experienced the joy of knowing Shaunna. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the organization that has helped Shaunna and her family most significantly through the years, Klinic Community Health Centre. Please go to www.klinic.mb.ca/donations or call 204-784-4076 THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2012
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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My condolences go out to Shaunna's family and friends. I just found out of her passing on. Words cannot express the impact Shaunna has had on my life in the short time I got to know her. I'm deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I'm thankful that I had the chance to get to know and learn so much about "life" from her. Shaunna made me see the world through a different view and has made me a better person to this day. More than I could have ever told her. I will be forever thankful for that. She is an angel. Rest in Peace Shaunna. - Posted by: Brittany Moore (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2013
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Jim and Aileen, I cannot imagine your loss and grief, loosing a child so young, please accept my sincere condolence. Jack - Posted by: Jack McTaggart (Atikokan) on: Jun 13, 2012
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Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jim & Aileen. We did not know Shaunna well, but knowing her wonderful parents and grandparents, we know she was a great young woman. I (Marilyn) will never forget when she was three and we were at her grandparents in Woodstock and she took my hand and took me into another room to show me her dolly. I fell in love with that little girl. Our sympathies to sister Moira and David. Deepest sympathy to Richard, Zoe, and Griffin. We know you will miss her greatly, but her loving spirit will live on in your wonderful memories of her. What a beautiful person! - Posted by: Marilyn (Black) & Tom Beechey (Cousin) on: Jun 13, 2012
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Jim and Aileen My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. I never had the pleasure of meeting your daughter but she sounds like a wonderful person and your loss is great. My prayers are with you both and your family - Posted by: Sandra (Porter) Bannick (cousin) on: Jun 11, 2012
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I am sad to hear of Shaunna's passing. I lived on the same street as her in Atikokan, but got to know her much better in her teen years. Shaunna was radiant beauty, I would blush just looking at her. My brother and I both were vying for her affection one summer and I am not sure she even knew but there was minor tension between my brother and I. It never mattered that a teenage romance was not in the cards, I always looked forward to seeing her and she was always genuine and fun. I also have fond memories of Moira, Jim and Aileen, such great people, they must be feeling a great void. - Posted by: Mike Cox (Childhood friend) on: Jun 10, 2012
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Our condolences to The family.I live across the street from the O'Brien-Moran family. My children(Griffin's good friends), and I will miss her and her true beauty and kindness. - Posted by: Kristin Rempel (Neighbour) on: Jun 10, 2012
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I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Shaunna, a lovely, kind woman. My deepest condolences to Richard and family. - Posted by: Ritchard Findlay (Colleague) on: Jun 09, 2012
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My most heartfelt condolences to Shaunna's family and friends. I went to Westgate CVI high school in Thunder Bay with Shaunna for 4 years and in that time remember a vibrant and strong willed young woman, it would appear she carried this throughout her entire life. Although I only knew her in her youth she was a beacon of light back then. A life taken far too soon but lived to the fullest I see. She did shine bright. Frank N. Procup - Posted by: Frank N. Procup (High school classmate) on: Jun 09, 2012
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Our deepest sympathies. She will be missed. The Nikkel family - Posted by: Harry Nikkel (Neighbour) on: Jun 09, 2012
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My condolences to the family. I had met Shaunna as a visiting nurse. She will be truly missed. - Posted by: Valerie Alderson (Visiting Nurse from Homecare) on: Jun 08, 2012
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On behalf of Grant Park High School's Drama Department, our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with Griffin and his family at this time. - Posted by: Victoria Louise McMahon (Griffin's teacher) on: Jun 08, 2012
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Although we did not know her well, it is clear that Shaunna was a truly beautiful and courageous woman. Our deepest condolences, Richard, Zoe and Griffin, on the loss of your best friend and your mom. Your neighbours, Jennifer and Mark - Posted by: Jennifer Gibson & Mark Klassen (neighbours) on: Jun 08, 2012