It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Shawn Emery announces her untimely passing, on July 5, 2021 at the age of 64, in the loving arms of her family.
Shawn is survived by her cherished daughter Maureen (Brandon) Dove, and her eagerly awaited grandson; her siblings and their spouses and families: Kerry (Lloyd) Fennell, and their children Scott Fennell (Jen Pott), Whitney Fennell, and grandchildren Thomas Fabian, Lukas and Emery Fennell; Gaye Emery (John Sandala), and their children Drew and Keely Sandala; Meghan (Philip) Reid, and their sons Carson and Liam. She was predeceased by her mother, Maureen Fair, and her father, Bud Emery.
Shawn spent her adolescent years on Norah Street in Thunder Bay where she graduated from FWCI High School before moving to Ottawa to attend Carleton University. These years fostered the mainspring of her enthusiasm for sports. Shawn flourished as a golfer, receiving awards at the Fort William Country Club; she delighted in playing on local baseball teams; and she earned the title of “Super Fan”, supporting her beloved teams, including – Lakehead University Basketball, Thunder Bay Border Cats Baseball, Boston Celtics, and Toronto Raptors.
But it was in 1994 when Shawn’s greatest joy, the birth of her precious daughter, Maureen Margaret, spurred Shawn to cheer loudest and most passionately for Maureen’s many accomplishments. She was a friend, mentor and role model to Maureen and her close friends over the years.
Shawn was a gifted employee and innovative powerhouse within the high-tech industry – her accomplished career includes remarkable proficiency as a catalyst in her positions at IBM in Toronto and London, Ontario; MicroAge Computer Centre in Thunder Bay; CEO of her own start-up Media Monitoring Service, supporting local businesses and organizations; and as Customer Relationship Manager at TBayTel, from which she recently retired. She did not, however, retire her initiative, tenacity and exceptional intellect.
Shawn’s contributions to her community expanded beyond her employment – she was civic-minded and socially concerned, taking on several leadership roles. Shawn served as an integral member on several Boards of Directors, including Children’s Aid Foundation of the District of Thunder Bay, FedNor, Crime Stoppers Thunder Bay Police Service, and the Federal Liberal Riding Association of Thunder Bay-Rainy River.
Her exuberance was captivating and contagious. Shawn’s love of life naturally beckoned her, and those around her, to live life to the fullest – every day – focusing her attention on what is pleasurable, nurturing and sustaining in our lives, and practicing gratitude for the everyday things as well as the milestones. Shawn was a voracious reader of a great variety of book genres – however, her preferred read was a series of novels by British authors Lee Child and Andrew Grant whose fictional protagonist, Jack Reacher, grasped her attention and would not let go.
One of the most baffling characteristics of our Shawn was how this tremendously tech-savvy woman remained one of the last of her generation to be unfailingly adamant about reading her daily print copy of the Chronicle Journal newspaper! (Of course, she couldn’t help gloating when she – often – would clip the newspaper contest ads, enter the promotion, and WIN!!!)
A strong desire to travel provided Shawn with never-ending adventures and stories to cherish. Her favourite destinations were to visit her long-time “bestie”, Joanne Galand, either in Kelowna, where Jo resides with her husband Bill, or in the glorious Barbados with Jo and her sister Val and husband Tom. Life was so good when Shawn and Maureen travelled to Barbados! But Shawn was equally content to spend time with her special friends who extended their family to earnestly welcome her and Maureen and Brandon into the Quirion Clan – highlights were Friday Pizza Night during basketball season, and spending as much time as possible (no matter the season) at “her” camp in Dorion on Lake Superior. Gail and Roger could never crush Shawn’s belief that she actually owned their camp! She never missed a Quirion Family Reunion.
As a devoted animal lover, Shawn’s world always included her treasured pets – Beatrix, Shawn’s joy, her beautiful black lab and her grand-puppy Winston will be missing their loving, nurturing, spirited “mom” and “nana”.
Shawn was genuine, devoted, and loyal to her friends and family (with a sassy twist of her playful sense of humour, always adding a welcome element of jubilation). Life was unique and exciting when Shawnnie was with you. She will be remembered for her caring soul, quick wit, authentic smile and charismatic personality.
We wish to extend our deep gratitude to Dr. Kathy Simpson and Dr. William Harris for the exceptional care they provided Shawn throughout her final months, and to the EMS Paramedics for their caring, compassion and support during an exceedingly difficult time.
To live life to the fullest.
To maximize your capacity to experience
what life has to offer around you.
To make the most of what you have
and never settle for less than
the life you are capable of living.
To be truly alive and awake to life
and not asleep in life's waiting room.
- Zero Dean
Cremation has taken place and a private family inurnment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Shawn’s Life will take place at a later date. Due to current covid restrictions, there will be limited space available for friends to attend. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Grizzly Bear Foundation, #310 – 1996 Trutch Street, Vancouver, BC V6K 4G6 (778) 357-0504 grizzlybearfoundation.com or the charity of your choice in Shawn’s memory would be gratefully appreciated. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.sargentandson.com
