RHEAUME, Shannon Connolly
Shannon, a wonderful mother, a loyal daughter, a compassionate sister and a dedicated friend, died on July 22, 2011, on her own terms, after a sudden and aggressive cancer diagnosis at the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, surrounded by her beloved sons, Kieran, Rory and Declan Rheaume, her new-found love, Ritch Fairbairn, her mother, Maureen Connolly, her siblings and many long-time friends from near and afar. Born on Aug 26, 1958 in Englehart, Shannon is predeceased by her father, Joseph Gerard Connolly. Shannon’s humour, zest for life, practicality and “take charge attitude†will always be fondly remembered by her sisters and brothers Marcia (John Morris), Laurel (Ken Wood), Johnny Connolly, Paddy Connolly, Erin (Rob Brezinski) and Cassie (Larry Chapman) and her nieces and nephews. Although Shannon bravely re-entered the work force recently, she was driven by family, friends, fitness and a fundamental desire to raise three responsible and compassionate boys. Shannon led by example and remained true to her convictions, including her inherent values of respect and hard work, which are indeed evident in the three young men that she leaves behind. Shannon operated in black and white and embraced the here and now. No one forgot Shannon after meeting her; she entered a room with her trademark vibrant smile and a charm that could brighten any mood. She was small in stature but larger than life, an “Irish lassie,†her father would call her, a spitfire with a sometimes stubborn but always sensitive side. Shannon’s strength of character provided the nudge to strike out on her own at 17 and has brought her home with the same courage, grace and dignity. The family is forever grateful to Ritch Fairbairn, for not only guiding them through Shannon’s last days, but for also giving her the love she deserved. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the staff at Southlake for providing exceptional medical care and for falling in love with Shannon, her charm weakened but nevertheless working its magic to the end. A visitation will be held at the Englehart Royal Canadian Legion on Monday, July 25, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service immediately following. Interment will follow at the Englehart Cemetery. Family and friends are invited back to the Legion for a luncheon after the interment. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation, 615 Davis Drive, Suite 304, Newmarket, Ontario Canada L3Y 2R2, or visit www.southlakeregional.org. Condolences, contributions and memorial candles may be left at www.mcdonaldfuneralhome.ca.
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