Obituary of Irene Lily Shaw

Irene Lily Shaw passed away in the Castor Hospital on December 13th 2011 at the age of 69 after fighting a courageous and determined battle with cancer. Irene was the eldest daughter born on September 7th 1942 to Harry and Helen Fountain in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She had three brothers: George, Ronald and Raymond and one sister Eileen. Early years were lived on a farm near Dodsland, Saskatchewan then they moved into the village itself. After high school Irene attended Business College. She met and then married John Shaw on April 19th 1963. They were blessed with four children: Randy, Roderick, Laurie Lynne and Richard. A tragic accident took her husband’s life on October 16th 1970, leaving Irene a widow at the young age of 28. Irene rose to the challenge of raising four young children with strength and courage. Life was not always easy but she provided well for her children. After remaining in Dodsland for a few years she moved her family to Prince Albert then later to Alberta in 1993, living first in Wetaskiwin for many years and then Mundare. Here she discovered her passion for floor curling which she excelled at, winning many tournaments. In 2007 Irene moved to Castor to be near family. Irene loved her family and friends dearly. She was a devoted mother and caring friend. Irene fought a never failing valiant struggle against cancer. She was always positive and looked forward to the future no matter how much pain she endured or what her prognosis was. She has gone to be with her Savior now and is at peace and free from pain. She is loved and will be forever remembered. Irene is predeceased by her parents: father Harry Fountain on February 26, 1975; mother Helen Fountain on October 22, 2011; husband John Shaw on October 19, 1970. She is survived and missed by her loving children: Randy (Linda) Shaw of Stettler, AB, Rod Shaw of Stettler, AB, Laurie (Lennard) Hewitt of Castor, AB, Rick (Chrystelle) Shaw of Kelowna, BC; her precious grandchildren: Tess Roan, Darren Shaw, Chantelle Macahonic, William Macahonic, Tyler Hewitt, Meagan Hewitt, Nicole Hewitt, Shaelyn Hewitt, Braedy Shaw, Kaden Shaw, Calleigh Crockford; her brothers: George (Sharon) Patenaude of Rosetown, SK, Ronald (Elaine) Fountain of Kelowna, BC, Raymond (Marion) Fountain of Grimsby, ON; sister Eileen McLeod of Lampman, SK. A celebration of Irene’s life was held on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 in the Knox United Church, Castor, Alberta with Reverend Barbara Zimmerman officiating. Irene’s granddaughters Meagan and Nicole Hewitt blessed those present with their gift of music. Soloist Catherine Zimmerman sang “The Lord’s Prayer’, pianist Cathy Schaffner played for the congregational hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.” Irene’s son Rick Shaw served as pallbearer, recessing to “Blue Christmas.” Irene was laid to rest beside her husband John Edward Shaw in the Dodsland Cemetery, Dodsland, Saskatchewan.