LILIAS IDELL SHANNON

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LILIAS IDELL SHANNON August 28, 1923 - February 4, 2008 Lilias Idell Shannon (nee Mcleod) died peacefully on February 4, 2008 at age 84 at Grace Hospice with her family at her side. She was predeceased by her sister Pearl Ione (Dodo), brother Roy, mother Arnina, father Donald, husband John (Jack), sister Shielah Clarke, daughter Meagan, and sister-in-law Jeanne Elhatton. She is survived by her son Ian (Kora), grandsons Stephen and Jay, nieces, nephews and other family members whom she loved dearly. Lilias was born August 28, 1923 the youngest of her family, grew up and attended school in Selkirk, MB. After graduating from high school she attended the University of Manitoba for one year and then went to the work, first with the Manitoba Liquor Board and later with Condon Marsh Wholesalers in the billing department. In 1953 she married John O. Shannon (Jack) and moved to Winnipeg. Both her children Meagan and Ian were born there. The family first lived Fort Garry 1953-1964 on Somerville and later in River Heights on Lindsay St. 1964-1989 and were members of St. Jean Brebeuf Parish. They were also one of the founding members of the Manitoba Association for Children with Learning Disabilities in the late 1960s. (M.A.C.L.D.). In 1989 Mom moved to St. James where she lived at the Courts of St. James. Later she resided at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence until recently. As a young lady she was inducted into the P.E.O. Sisterhood (a Philanthropic Educational Organization that supports women striving to further their post-secondary education) in Chapter G in Selkirk, MB. Later she was a Charter Member of Chapter N in Winnipeg where she served in a number of capacities including the president. She remained a faithful PEO for over 60 years. Her PEO sisters have been a source of support and comfort for her over the years. Mom loved the lake and the family cottage at Clearwater Bay, Ontario, where she spent most of her summers from 1958 - 2006, until ill health kept her from doing so. She enjoyed berry picking, boat trips, visiting with her lake friends and most of all entertaining family and friends. She spent hours bird watching and when her sight failed she was content with listening to the call of the loons. Mom loved to stay informed, she read the newspaper, magazines but the news about her friends and family was most important. She was a devout C.B.C. listener. This became her main source of information when she lost her sight to macular degeneration. She maintained many close friendships with the people she grew up with in Selkirk. She kept up the family ties by regular letters and phone calls. Mom remembered everyone's birthday and other special occasions with cards. She loved her family, she was kind, giving and always had time to listen. Mom was strong willed, but a dignified person even in the face of adversity. She believed that quality of life was much more important than quantity. She always asserted herself as to what she wanted. We will miss her sense of humour and her ability not to take herself too seriously, even at the end. The family would like to thank the staff of Grace Cancer Care and Grace Hospice for the Care and comfort they provided for Mom. We are also grateful to Chaplain Capt. Roy Dueck and Mrs. Major Cath McFarlane for the spiritual care they provided to mom. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave., Aubrey Street entrance. Major Cathrine Mcfarlane officiating In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Hospice in Lilias's memory. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2008