Shelagh Ann McNab-Duffett

Born in the UK to parents, Hazel McNab (nee McLean) and the late Dr. James McNab, Shelagh loved her Scottish heritage. The family moved to Halifax when Shelagh was a wee child and she grew up in this city she loved.

As a young woman she caught the wanderlust bug and backpacked across Europe eventually landing in Greece, where she spent several months on Antiparos learning about Greek lifestyle and making friends.

Upon her return, Shelagh had a successful career in media, working at ZBM studios in Bermuda, CBC, ATV and Studio East (Blizzard Island). She was a sought after film editor putting her photographic eye to all her projects.

Shelagh met her husband Thomas at the Dalhousie skating rink and they married in 1988. Daughter Hayley was born in 1990 and went on to become a talented figure skater with her parents’ support.

A devoted mother, Shelagh was involved in all aspects of Hayley’s upbringing, whether it was school functions, or extracurricular activities like Girl Guides.

Later as Hayley began to stretch her wings, Shelagh sought a creative outlet and began to paint. When she took up art as a hobby she never dreamed she would go on to host several art shows and find her pieces in homes worldwide. Her distinctive bold colours showcased the province she loved so much. Her art was sold online and also at the Halifax Seaport Market where she was a vibrant presence.

An avid reader, nature lover, photographer, cook and writer, Shelagh combined the last two passions when she published her “Nova Scotia Potluck” cookbook and more recently her whimsical feline-themed art in “Catalphabet” with Jon Mills.

Endlessly curious, Shelagh made friends easily, always able to converse with a wide spectrum of folk. Her generous nature and infectious smile will remain in our hearts forever.

Left behind to mourn her are: husband Thomas, daughter Hayley (Nick), mother Hazel, brothers Kenneth (Kathy), Ian (Colleen) and, and several nieces and nephews. Shelagh will also be missed by her cat Monty and her ‘grand-dog’, Thea.

The family wish to thank Dr. Patricia Beresford, Shelagh’s longtime family doctor and also to the staff at Hospice Halifax for their care of her during the final days.

Donations in Shelagh’s name may be made to either the “Save The Wild Blue” campaign of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust - https://nsnt.ca, or the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes - https://www.bluemountainfriends.ca.