Obituary of Lorna Joyce Shaw

Lorna Joyce Shaw passed away on March 3, 2024.  She had been hospitalized for an infection and worsening heart failure.  On her third day in the ICU, which also happened to be her 90th birthday, she said, "All I want is to be comfortable."  Her birthday wish was soon granted--pain relief, sleep, and a quiet room were then prioritized.  She died a few days later after farewell visits with family and close friends.  Born in New Liskeard, ON on February 28, 1934, Lorna was the youngest child of Violet (Davey) and George Harrison.  While in the nursing school at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, she met Carl Dennie Shaw during a summer placement at the St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital.  They were married on Valentine's Day in 1958.  There was never a dull moment while Lorna and Dennie were raising their family in the apartment above the ice cream plant on Hwy 4 and then at their home in Sparta.  They especially enjoyed their winter vacations in Key West, Florida.  After her debilitating stroke in 2004, they relocated to St. Thomas near Lake Margaret.  Following Dennie's passing in 2014, Lorna resided at Metcalfe Gardens and then Valleyview Home.  She will be remembered for her strong faith in God, keen interest in people and the world around her, love of reading and writing, sense of humour and adventure, as well as her continued ability to always look on the bright side of life.  Her kindness, manners, and ability to manage tough situations were remarkable.  These characteristics and memories of "the good times" helped sustain Lorna throughout the past twenty years.  She is survived by her five children: Carl of Kimberley BC, Karen (Anil Dhir) of Ann Arbor MI, Frances (Christopher Vinskas) of Keswick ON, John (Christine) of Southwold ON, and Paul (Tina) of Port Stanley ON.  Her grandchildren are Adam (Sarah), Kailash (Bryan), Sanjay (Yolanda), Uma (Charlie), Elly (Mitch), Rachel (Ryan), Ross (Emily), Aron (Chelsey), Amy, WD, Grace and Luke.  Great-grandchildren are Zoey, Levi, Clara, Wesley, and two more who are due to arrive this spring.  Surviving siblings are Mildred (late Ross) Austin of Calgary AB and Cecil (Marilyn) Harrison of Wandering River AB.  She was predeceased by siblings Blanche (Campbell) McLean, Gertrude (Bill) Hibbard, Elsie (Walter) Cudmore and infant brother George. Lorna is also survived by her St. Thomas in-laws Betty Jean (late George) Shaw, Marie (late Bill) Turvey, Elaine (late Larry) Shaw.  She was predeceased by Morris and Joan Shaw.  Numerous nieces and nephews from near and far remember having a good time whenever they came to Aunt Lorna and Uncle Dennie's house.  These visits often included a swim and a barbecue.  The family would like to thank everyone who cared for Lorna whenever she was a patient at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, as well as in her home and then at Metcalfe Gardens and Valleyview Home.  Special gratitude goes to Judy LeBlanc and Tina Froese who spent countless hours with Lorna--for company and comfort.  Mention must also be made of the tremendous compassion, skill, and guidance of the ICU and 4th floor staff at STEGH during Lorna's final days.  It was a nice surprise when they brought in cake and ice cream and sang Happy Birthday at her bedside.  A graveside service and interment were held at Union Cemetery.  Lorna's celebration of life will be held at a later time.  Arrangements are through Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas, ON (519-631-0570).  Online condolences can be made at www.sjfh.ca

Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice are appreciated.