Jean was a remarkable woman and her beautiful spirit will never be forgotten.

Jean Loretta Mary Shaw 93years Passed at Emergency Nanaimo Hospital May 8-2026

She was born in Bancroft, Ontario February 26-1933. A loving family, a wonderful mother always devoted to her children, her father worked on the highways crew, away in the winter months. Every occasion was celebrated with enthusiasm and joy, and outside play was encouraged even though it was miserably cold. Jean was an acting mother early in her busy life, with six brothers and 3 sisters.

Her career started in the Peterborough Hospital, training to be a Lab Technician, living in the nun’s residence. Accuracy and knowledge in her work was passed onto others. Her life changed forever on a blind date, where she met Clayton Shaw. He was enamoured and captivated by her, he was affectionate and warm hearted, “true love”.

Jean and Clayton drove across Canada, got married in Vancouver, then headed to Vancouver Island for prospective jobs. Jean was first to land a job in Port Alberni at the hospital, Clayton the next day at Woodwards Auto (mechanic). Cathy came a year later, then Barry and Darryl two and half years between all three children. They survived the tidal wave on Good Friday 1964, luckily no damage to the home, but lots of flooding in the back yard.

Camping trips with family to Parksville through the summer led them to relocate to the small town in 1969. They lived a short block from the beach, everyone beach-combed and fished in the area.

Jean and Clayton had lots of family visiting in Parksville. They travelled to Reno and Las Vegas and across Canada several times also east coast too. Jean worked part-time at the Lab and sold Avon and worked weekends at Beach Acres. She was a great cook and loved baking, pies especially. Jean always had knitting and sewing projects on the go. Later on she took on challenging hobbies, cross-stitch, papertole and handmade 3 bears from an old fur coat and quilting baby blankets. There was always music being played by Clayton and Barry and other musicians, and then the lengthy card games when friends stopped by.

The weekends were important, they camped at Costa Lotta, now Qualicum Landing, later moving into a modular home to start the semi-retirement mode and the small welcoming community. Beautiful garden and excellent fishing in Lighthouse Country. Finally back to Parksville in a house on Ash, Clayton had another big garden, and big back yard for the two dogs, “Buttons and Sandy”, and lots of entertaining with family. Their final home a condo close to town, walking distance to all amenities and a view of the beach. Jean and Clayton were both on the strata council. Jean retired from the council duties just about 3 yrs ago.

Jean was predeceased by her parents Mary and Arnold; Brothers Elvin, Arnie, Bernard, Lenard and Harry; Sisters Lorraine, Marguerite and Loyola; Husband Clayton; and sons, Barry and Darryl.

Survived by daughter Cathy (Peter), brother Ralph (Marlene), Grandchildren, Clayton and Marlena, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Her 93rd Birthday was very special, lots of friends and a surprise visit from nieces Carol and Diane from Ontario.