Shelagh Kearney

Our dear Shelagh Kearney, in her 89th year, passed peacefully the morning of Monday, January 11, 2021, at Erin Mills Lodge in Mississauga. Adventurer, survivor, trailblazer, independent, compassionate, kind, generous are just a few of the ways that Shelagh is described by her family of friends and those whom her life has touched. We feel blessed to have had Shelagh in our lives sharing her love, wisdom, beaming smile, and the best laugh. Shelagh will be fondly remembered by her loving circle of friends Marilyn, Uliana, Tanja, Karen, Wendy, MonaLisa, Kathleen-Ann, Gwyneth, and predeceased by Beverley. Shelagh was born April 27, 1931, in England, daughter of Ellen Kearney. Having lived and grown up through the war, Shelagh was tenacious about life and determined not to let anything or anyone stand in her way. She set out to do whatever she desired. While living and studying in England, the adventurous Shelagh travelled through the countryside exploring Europe on her Lambretta. Shelagh was known to ask you what you want out of life, and her response and motto was "Just Do It!". Shelagh was a registered nurse and midwife, devoting her life to caring for strangers and loved ones alike. She moved to Canada in 1968, starting out in northern Manitoba for 2 years where she worked at the Nelson House with the Indigenous community. At times she even travelled by snowmobile and small planes to reach the families she cared for. Shelagh returned to Ontario where her journey continued in Port Credit with a nursing career at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital until her retirement in 1999. This is where Shelagh shared her home with pets always by her side. Her cats, Zephyr and Trip, brought her so much joy, along with the birds and squirrels in the neighbourhood. The artist in Shelagh drew her to the outdoors and down the back roads of Ontario looking for inspiration. It was in her art that she found great comfort and joy, and where her soul found peace. In retirement, Shelagh befriended Beverley at her art studio, Imagemaker, where she found kindred spirts. It is at the studio where our lives came together. Through the stories of her adventures, her outlook on life, and her encouragement to Just Do It, Shelagh loved, inspired and touched us all. Like a collection of jewels, she treasured her friends and we most definitely treasured her in return. Shelagh and her family of friends would like to thank the nurses and staff at Erin Mills Lodge for caring for her the last few years of her journey. Cremation has already taken place and a Celebration of Shelagh's Life will be held at a later date. Shelagh remains forever in our hearts and minds . Shelagh our angel on earth and now our angel in heaven ❤