MARGARET MERLE O'SHAUGHNESSY, R.N. (GREENAWAY) -

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MARGARET MERLE O'SHAUGHNESSY, R.N. (nee GREENAWAY) 1917 - 2012 Our beautiful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Merle, aged 95, passed away peacefully at the Summerland Seniors Village, Summerland, BC on Saturday, July 14, 2012 where she was so lovingly cared for. Mom was born June 30, 1917 in Pettapiece, MB 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, MB 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 Winnipeg General Hospital 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 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 members of 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 Association, Marie's Tai Chi, and U.C.W., among others. As well, she and 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 in the founding 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 and Ryan O'Shaughnessy and Chelsea (Jason) Bronevitch of Edmonton, and Travis (Cheryl) Bronevitch of Dugald, MB. Pictures of her great-grandchildren Tyler, Jared and 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 25, in Summerland United Church, 13204 Henry Ave. at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Elaine Diggle officiating.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2012