Shelagh Genevieve Pendergast

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Shelagh Pendergast, who peacefully departed this life on February 11th, 2024, at Chester Village Nursing Home in Toronto, Ontario. Shelagh, aged 88, was surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on December 18th, 1935, on Banning Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Shelagh was one of eight children to Patrick Bolin and Mary Bolin nee Barlow. An Irish-Canadian, Shelagh grew up during the war and post-war years in an active household of seven siblings, all of whom she loved dearly. She completed her education at St. Mary’s Academy in 1952 and pursued her passion for teaching by studying at the Manitoba Normal School. For five years, she instructed in Winnipeg's primary schools, including the Britannia School in St. James. Shelagh’s true love was for children, and a sparkle captured her eye whenever she had the opportunity to engage with them.

In 1957, Shelagh met her future husband Thomas Cullen Pendergast at a social gathering at St. Edward’s Church in Winnipeg. Tom began his courtship with Shelagh at wrestling matches, church hall dances, and on long walks. Years ago when Tom was asked by his granddaughter what initially attracted him to Shelagh, Tom remarked “She had a lot to say, and I liked that.” Tom and Shelagh’s connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they exchanged marriage vows in 1958. Together, they raised a family of four well-loved boys: Jamie, Stephen, Leonard, and Tim.

Tom and Shelagh shared a remarkable journey from Montreal to Saint John to North Bay. It was in 1969 that they settled into a house on Ivanhoe Drive in North Bay. For almost 60 years Shelagh took precious care of her North Bay home in the simple and ritualistic way that only she knew how. She was a proud homemaker, ferocious baker, and keen sports enthusiast. Shelagh could often be found tidying with the screen door open and CBC radio on full blast.

Shelagh was a fiercely determined warm spirit who loved a competition, whether it be cheering from the bleachers in below zero weather or playing a hand of bridge with Tom and friends. Tom and Shelagh played bridge together for years, creating life-long friendships along the way.

A devout Catholic, Shelagh was inquisitive and compassionate would not shy away from any discussion. Not known for holding back, Shelagh freely expressed her thoughts; whether you could be the Parish Priest, the local Member of Parliament, or the Head Coach of one of the boy’s teams. Her legacy includes the famous “Shelaghisms” we will cherish in our memories. She was a delight to engage in intellectual conversations with, and although she could have strong opinions, she always made you feel welcome and celebrated your successes.

Shelagh's enduring legacy of love and strength lives on through her four sons and their caring spouses: Jamie (Martine), Steven, Leonard (Ted), and Tim (Andree). She is also survived by her grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life: Katie and Brian, the children of Jamie and Jane Ferrabee; Ela and Jonah, the children of Leonard; and Matt, Jeremy, Tommy, the children of Tim and Andree, along with Kayden and Soren, the children of Martine.

In addition to her immediate family, Shelagh is survived by her sister Shirley and brother Gerry, both residing in Winnipeg, who continue to cherish her memory. Shelagh was predeceased by Tom in 2017, following 59 years of marriage. She is also predeceased by her parents Patrick and Mary Bolin, her brothers, Lou, Al and Roy and her sisters, Lucille and Eileen.

A service to celebrate Shelagh's life will be held at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne St. in Toronto, on February 16th, at 3:00 pm. In honor of Shelagh's compassionate spirit, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the North Bay Food Bank, an organization close to Shelagh and Tom's hearts, where they dedicated their time and efforts. Donations can be made online at www.northbayfoodbank.ca. Let us honor Shelagh's memory by continuing her legacy of kindness and generosity.