It is with great sorrow we announce the serene passing of Elizabeth K. C. Shears on October 24, 2020 at the age of 70, at the QEII Hospital in Halifax after a lengthy, courageous battle with illness. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, she was the daughter of the late James and Elizabeth Campbell and the second eldest of five. During her life, Elizabeth excelled in many educational journeys including accounting, human nutrition, and home economics. Her professional attributes allowed her the opportunity to work for the British Embassy in Riyadh in accounting, teach at Mount Saint Vincent University and work as a nutritionist and public health advisor for the Nova Scotia Department of Health. After leaving the department, she became an independent health consultant. Volunteering was also a huge part of Elizabeth. She was involved with several different NGOs including the Canadian Cancer Society and in provincial politics.
Elizabeth had a love for traveling. She was fortunate to have seen many parts of the world, while embracing their cultures and contributing to their society. Early on, her desire to travel led her to become a nanny in Switzerland, then Jersey and eventually move to Montreal where she met her husband, Arthur E. Shears. Together they would continue their travels to Toronto, then Ghana to work with CUSO and to Saudi Arabia. It was during her time in Saudi Arabia she met the Prince and Princess of Wales on a royal visit. Staying abroad, she studied at the London School of Hygiene focusing on human nutrition and then lived in Nigeria for several years. After a year resident in Scotland, they moved back to Canada where they started their family and raised their two daughters, Moraigh and Fiona.
Her accomplishments speak volumes about her, but to those that knew her she was more than just a career woman She was a pillar to her family’s success. She was supportive, loving and despite obstacles she remained strong for her loved ones. She was charismatic, strong-willed, and compassionate. She gave without taking and always ensured her family had their necessities and she provided a safe haven for anyone in need. Elizabeth was an exceptional cook always making culturally-diverse meals and took pride in documenting family, favorite recipes. Her strength will live on through all that have been blessed to know her and her absence will not go unnoticed. She will be profoundly missed by family, friends, and former colleagues.
She is survived by her two daughters, Moraigh and Fiona, former husband (Arthur), brothers (John and Jimmy) and sister (Fiona) in the UK, as well as many cousins, nieces/nephews, and other relatives. She was predeceased by daughter (Kirsty) who died just after birth in Scotland, her sister (Irene) and her parents.
Visitation will be at the J.A. Snow funeral home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Tuesday, November 10 from 2- 4 and 6 – 8 pm. A celebration of life service will be held at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 3311 Ashburn Avenue, Halifax on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 11 am conducted by Rev. Dr. W.G. Sydney McDonald.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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