Willa Richardina Shaw

Born in Anniston, Alabama on May 12, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Homer and Ritchie (Brothers) Lanford of Anniston, Alabama

Willa spent her youth travelling, and going to school, all around the world with her mother and father, who was in the US Foreign Service. She received a global education and a great appreciation of other cultures as she lived in and visited many places including Paris, Belgium, Switzerland, Venezuela, the Azores, as well as living in Anniston, AL; New Orleans, LA; and Rye, NY in the US. Willa went on to attend William and Mary University in Williamsburg, VA, graduating with a degree in Political Science. This was just the beginning of a lifelong thirst for knowledge covering a broad array of topics including space, physics, civilizations, archeology, anthropology, the history of the planet, health, literature, investing, and politics. Willa moved to Rothesay, NB in 1960 and there she met the love of her life, Alan Shaw. They were married in Rothesay on April 8, 1961 and it was there that they started their family. Willa and her family moved to Truro, NS in 1974. Willa lived in Truro for 29 years before moving to Halifax, NS in 2003. From 1978 to 1990 Willa held the position of Company Secretary for Sparkling Spring Water Ltd. Willa was a US citizen, but also became a Canadian citizen in October of 2014. Willa enjoyed many sports including downhill skiing, cross country skiing, table tennis, squash, golf. But the sport she enjoyed most of all was tennis. Willa treasured her memories of the summer mornings and evenings at the Truro Tennis Club. She enjoyed challenging her mind in her spare time, whether it was doing crossword puzzles, sudoku, playing bridge, having a lively conversation, watching a critically acclaimed movie or reading an award winning book, but she was also known to play a video game or two. Willa had a number of hobbies and enjoyed many activities such as gardening, photography, the Japanese tea ceremony, growing bonsai, rug hooking, hosting and going to dinner parties & casual get-togethers, a good glass of wine, theater, symphony, as well as travelling over-seas and at home. Willa was involved with, and supported, many groups including the Truro Music Festival, the Truro Art Society, Symphony Nova Scotia, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and the Chester Playhouse. Although Willa was involved in many activities, there was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with her family. She was a loving, generous and supportive wife, mother and grandmother. She was loved dearly and will be missed.

Survived by her loving husband, Alan Shaw; Daughter, Laura (John Harrison) of Calgary; Son, Jim (Shaunna MacIsaac) of Bedford; 3 Grandchildren, Gareth of Calgary; Lily and Sabrina of Bedford; 3 Step –grandchildren, Alexandra and Christopher of Calgary; Brett of Bedford; and 1 Step -great-grandchild, Jeffery of Calgary. A celebration of Willa's life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers: Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation

Online condolences may be made at:www.jasnowfuneralhome.com