Anne Regina Shaw

Anne passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 23, at the Palliative Care Unit of the Victoria General Hospital after a battle with cancer.

Anne was the third of seven children of Marguerite (Saulnier) and William Bailey. She grew up in north Dartmouth, attending Bicentennial School and Dartmouth High, and was a member of St. Paul’s Parish. A highlight of those years were the “Darteen” dances with her friends. As a teenager, she met Bob, and they married shortly after her graduation from Mount Saint Vincent University 1969.

Anne began teaching after graduation, and her first school was Oxford Street in Halifax. She took a break from her career to raise her daughters, and was always there to be a part of their lives. She returned to education for a 20- year span, teaching in different schools until she found a home first at Harrietsfield Elementary, and later at Sambro/ Ketch Harbour Elementary.

Anne and Bob raised their family in Armdale, where Anne was an active member of the CWL and Sunday School at St John The Baptist Parish. She was also a member and president of the Diocesan Pastoral Council of Halifax.

After retirement, she and Bob discovered a love of travel, and visited many countries that they never imagined they would see; England, Morocco, Portugal, Australia, Iceland, and the list goes on. Sometimes they traveled as part of Bob’s work, and sometimes planned trips with friends. Her newfound skills of online research, navigation, and minimal packing amazed all who knew her.

She shared her love of reading with her daughters, sisters and friends, often lending books and author recommendations. When her grandchildren were young, countless hours were spent with them on her lap, paging through the most recent storybook.

The ultimate supporter, she put many miles on her car driving first her children, and later her grandchildren, to their various lessons, practices, games, and performances.

Anne loved to visit with her siblings, especially over a piece of Rappie Pie, where the conversations got loud and lively. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, whether travelling overseas together, or celebrating birthday meals here at home.

In their later years, Anne and Bob enjoyed walking the boardwalk in Bedford, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and continuing to travel. They both loved going to their cottage in Brule, hosting friends and family in their waterfront home and exploring the neighboring community of Tatamagouche. Anne loved to watch the hummingbirds, the wild weather, and the beautiful flowers from her cozy chair.

Anne is survived by her loving husband and partner of 57 years, Robert, her daughters Wendy Driscoll (Tom), Karen Shaw-Carter (Travis). Grandchildren James Driscoll (Georgia), Peter Driscoll (Brigitte), Aries Carter, Sayge Carter, and Benjamin Carter. Siblings Henry Bailey (Marg), Jeannette Carver (Paul-deceased), Harriet Thornton (Paul), Mary Marks (Doug), John Bailey (Debbie), Jim Bailey (Debbie). She was predeceased by her parents, William and Marguerite Bailey.

The family would like to thank Dr. Colwell, Dr. Cameron, and the amazing team at the Oncology Clinic for their care over the past years. Our gratitude also goes out to the staff at the Halifax Infirmary Neurology Unit, Victoria General Palliative Care and NS Emergency Health Services.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society to support ongoing research, Palliative care/ Hospice in your own local community, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at JA Snow’s Funeral Home, Halifax on Tuesday March 31 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church Bedford on Wednesday April 1 at 12:15.