Peacefully, with the same grace and dignity which had embodied her life, Shelagh passed away at Columbus Residence, Vancouver, on Monday, January 4th, 2016. With her family by her side, she went to join her beloved husband George, who predeceased her in 1999.
Born in Winnipeg on August 11th, 1926, Shelagh was predeceased by her parents, Murray and Mabel Fisher, and her brother Paul Fisher.
Loving mother to Cathy (Frank) of North Vancouver, David (Kate) of North Delta, and Peter (Sue) of Vernon, BC; doting Nana to Tommy, Heather, Julia, Patrick and Connell. Sadly missed by sister Nancy (Roy) of Winnipeg, sister-in-law Pat of Toronto, many nieces and nephews and their extended families, and many, many friends. Shelagh grew up in Winnipeg, and while in high school won the Governor-General’s Award for academic excellence; she went on to complete her BA at Queen’s University in Kingston. She married the love of her life, George McInnis, in 1951. In 1964 they moved, three kids in tow, to Vancouver; at the time it was quite an adventure!
Shelagh lived a rich and full life, revolving around her family but extending ever outward to include countless hours of volunteer work (YWCA, Brock House, Kiwanis Music Festival), becoming involved in politics (Federal Liberal party), working for both the
Royal Commission on the Status of Women and the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies (the Baird Commission), and at UBC in the Medical Genetics lab of Dr. Michael Smith.
In later years she enjoyed travel, golf, gardening, music, bridge, reading, and helping George launch his post-retirement venture, Granville Island Ferries. She cherished her family, her grandchildren, and her many long-term friendships.
As Parkinson’s Disease began to take its toll in 2012, she moved into Columbus Residence in Vancouver. Despite her increasing difficulties, she never complained and greeted everyone with a wonderful smile; right up to the last, she was more concerned for others than herself.
The family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff and caregivers at Columbus, who for the last four years, treated Mom with the care and compassion they would one of their own. Knowing Mom was well-loved was such a comfort.
We will miss yet always remember her strength, her grace, her unstinting love for us all.
Rest in peace, dear Mom.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a Celebration of Life at Knox United
Church, 5600 Balaclava Street (Kerrisdale) Vancouver, on Saturday, February 20th, 2016, 1pm. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Centre adjoining the church. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations to the Parkinson Society of British Columbia would be appreciated by the family.