Obituary of Anita Marlene Shaw
Anita Marlene Shaw was born August 16, 1934, in Kingston, and lived in the city and area her entire life. She initially lived on part of a family farm in Glenvale. After some years, the family moved into Kingston, where they lived on Macdonnell Street, in old Cataraqui Village (possibly her favourite), Albert Street, College Street, Johnson Street, Palace Road and finally on Mowat Avenue in Portsmouth Village, where she resided from 1976. She always lived at home and after her father’s death, stayed with and cared for her mother until the latter’s death. Anita was educated at Glenvale School, Rideau School, Sydenham High School and KCVI. After a brief stint at Aunt Lucy’s, she joined Alcan and worked for the company for almost 40 years. She travelled widely as a carefree young adult, was an enthusiastic supporter of numerous sports teams (most especially her beloved Jays) and exhibited an exceedingly pleasant and even-keeled personality her entire life. Her demeanour was obvious through her final struggle with an aggressive cancer, where she was unfailingly pleasant and non-complaining, which amazed the numerous medical personnel with whom she came into contact.
She was predeceased by her parents, William and Patience (Swain) Shaw, and her brother Ron and sister-in-law Rose Shaw. She is survived by several cousins, niece Liana Shaw and nephews Jeff (Brenda) and Marc Shaw, and by her most recent furry companion, Murphy the Cat, who will transition to new couches and sunny windows in a family home.
Her family is deeply grateful to the numerous caregivers who offered such kind and professional service these last months, helping to allow her to continue living in her own residence until the end. We wish to acknowledge the community nurses of St. Elizabeth Healthcare (Matt, Christy and Mikayla), PSWs (Florence and Yolanda) and the staffs of Home and Community Care Support Services South East, KGH Cancer Centre and the Palliative team. The owners and staff of Peters Drug Store and Heart to Home Meals have been most kind. We appreciate the kind thoughts of neighbours who called and asked about her, particularly Betty Hemm. And since she is not the one writing this notice, her brothers wish to acknowledge the superhuman efforts of Liana Shaw who was a daily caregiver for the last two years, and who rose to the occasion in an incredible way. Her devotion both prolonged Anita’s life and ensured that she could remain at home.
Internment following cremation will be private, per her wishes, at Cataraqui Cemetery.
Animals were near and dear to her heart, and if people would like to donate in her memory, the Kingston Humane Society or the World Wildlife Fund would be appropriate.
