Obituary of Marion Patricia Shanahan

Marion Patricia “Pat” Shanahan, 85, Westville, formerly of New Glasgow, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in the Aberdeen Hospital, Palliative Care Unit surrounded by her family.

Born in Mulgrave, she was a daughter of Reuben Heart and Mary Christena (Gillis) Malcolm. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, New Glasgow. Pat was a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years at the former Sunset Haven, New Glasgow.  “Nanny Pat” was “famous” for her cheese biscuits, apple pie, loaves and muffins. She maintained her own unofficial “animal shelter”, sheltering and feeding numerous animals that came to her door. Pat was protective of all animals and a proactive supporter of animal rights. Her son was her “ray of sunshine” and her daughters, her best friends. Pat never went a day without talking to her children.

Her children state, “Our mother was a very private person. All she needed was her family, which included many. All her precious pets, whom she loved dearly. They kept her life full and challenging. She met every challenge that came her way with grace and dignity. We are grateful we could accompany her on her final journey. We were blessed to have our dear mother and are comforted to know that for mom, “life has changed; not ended!”

Surviving are daughters, Libby (Scott) MacNeil, New Glasgow; Diane (Robert) MacLean, New Glasgow; Sharon (Randy) Turner, Lyons Brook; son, Mike (Janda) Shanahan, Mount William; grandchildren, Shannon, Shauna, Mandy, Sean, Mason, Mattie, Liam, Michael and Jackie; great-grandchildren, Eagan, Torin, Cayden, Reilly, Christian, Ella, Elaina, Chloe, Lydia, Lexie, Leah and Sonny; sister, Doris Freeman, Greenwood; brother, Bill (Pauline) Malcolm, Antigonish; sister-in-law, Brenda (Gary) White, Kentville; many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John Henry “Jack” Shanahan; son-in-law, Barrie MacLeod; sisters, Audrey Simpson, Susan Simpson, Frances Smith; brothers, Robert, Neil (Judy), Doug (Doris) and Cecil (Frances) Malcolm; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Shanahan in infancy; Lee (James) Russell, Betty (Hughie) Campbell, Esther (Darb) Thompson and Nickie (Carl) Armsworthy; brothers-in-law, William “Will” Smith, Alfred Freeman, Ronnie Shanahan, Bernie Shanahan and Herman (Theresa) (Mary Anne) Shanahan.

Pat’s wish to thank her VON nurses and palliative care team for the exceptional, compassionate care she received.

Donations may be made in Pat's memory to the Pictou County SPCA>

In honour of Patsy’s wishes, her family will celebrate her life privately.