Elaine Shaw

On Saturday August 27, 2022, Elaine Shaw a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away at her home after a battle with breast cancer and dementia. She was ninety-one.

Elaine was born to Alice (nee Blackbourn) and John Thomas Baylis January 29, 1931, in Norwich, Norfolk, England. She was the fourth of five children. Elaine was predeceased by her parents, and her older siblings, Greta Baylis, William (Bill) Baylis and John Baylis.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband James (Jim) Shaw of 74 years , her six children; (Lorraine Shaw, Helen Kanski (Mike), James Shaw (Marguerite), Karen Shaw (Rob Weiler), Andrew Shaw (Rick Marcs), Ian Shaw (David LeBlanc), eleven grandchildren; (Aryn Machell (Dorit), Ryland Wellwood (Andrea), Elizabeth Wellwood, James Shaw (Dale Schultz), Audrey Beatty (Justin Beatty), Taylor Shaw, Hunter Shaw), and ten great grandchildren (Laerke and Ada Machell, Lynden and Nate Wellwood, Lane, Cheyanne, Tyson, and Jaxson Beatty, and Owen and Ethan Bourgeois), her lifelong friend Audrey Cannons, her sister Ursula Smith (Tony), her brother- in- law and sister- in -law William and Paula Shaw and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine started her life in Canada, joining James (Jim) in 1957 with four of her six children. She worked along side her husband building a successful land clearing business, all while raising her six children. She was known by all for her strong work ethic, her fairness and being “as honest as the day is long.” She was kind, caring and compassionate to all she met. She was a wonderful wife to James (Jim), and he often teased her that they broke the mould when she was born. She was a devoted mother, grandmother whose presence played a significant role in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was delighted when she became a great grandmother. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. When she was not engaged with the “Kids” or preparing meals, she loved to play the piano, was an accomplished knitter, enjoyed her home and garden and her trips to Lasqueti.

We will remember Elaine for her gentle spirit, generous welcoming nature, and for the wonderful home she built for us all, which included feeding the masses at Saturday night suppers and the years of special occasion and Christmas dinners.

Recent tributes to Mum sum it up: “She always had the kindest sweetest soul,” and “She will always be remembered for being such a beautiful lady, inside and out.”

We will miss her dearly.