Maeve Frances Roebuck

Maeve Frances Roebuck (nee McCormick) passed away peacefully on February 18, 2010 in Langley, B.C. at the age of 82. Born in Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Eire she was the youngest daughter of Dr. James and Mary McCormick. Maeve is survived by her brother Billy and sister and best friend Nonie. She is predeceased by her husband Alan and her sister Peggy and brother James. Also surviving and sadly missing her warmth and love are her three children, David Roebuck (Carla and Daniel) of Yellowknife, NT, Shelagh Kouwenhoven (Peter, Liam, (Sheena and Bailey) and Christopher) of Langley, B.C. and Stephen Roebuck (Christine, Owen and Thomas) of Carlisle, Ontario. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Josephs Catholic Church at 32550 7th ave If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Maeve Frances Roebuck. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Maeve was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Maeve was born on family home "Crossways" in Buncrana, Ireland. She was the daughter of James and Mary Margaret. Maeve was raised in Buncrana, Ireland. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Maeve was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Maeve's personality throughout her life.

Though Maeve was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Maeve was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Maeve worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Maeve was raised with four sibling. She had one older brother, Billy, two older sisters, Peggy & Nonie, and one younger brother, James. Maeve and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Maeve was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Maeve was always tactful. One thing Maeve will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Maeve had a number of interests and was an active child. Maeve took part in Camogie. She was a choir singer.

For Maeve, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Maeve was also adept at details. Maeve was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Sion Hill (a private convent boarding school) in 1943/1944. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Irish Literature. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Sister Connleth. She did well in spelling bees.

College can be a challenge, but Maeve appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Maeve had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Maeve enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her Bsc in Nursing.

There was one thing that all of Maeve's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Maeve was such a popular person throughout her life. But Maeve was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Maeve was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Maeve was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Maeve was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Maeve was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Maeve made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Winnie Coonie, Jim and Bertie Brown, Attracta and Maeve Boyle. Later in life, she became friends with Carlene and Carols Gaite, Jim and Pauline McPhail, Mary and Peter Ashly, Ann and Hal Stubbs, Pat O'Reilly, and Gracie.

Maeve was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Maeve cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On November 10th, 1949 Maeve married Frances Alan Roebuck at Oratory of Saint Mary of Buncrana, Ireland. Compassionate and devoted, Maeve worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Maeve and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Maeve was blessed with three children, two sons, David and Steven, and one daughter, Shelagh. They were also blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Liam, Christopher, Daniel, Owen, and Thomas and a great-grandchild, Bailey. Maeve was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Maeve was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Maeve would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Maeve, and she expected the same from those around her. Maeve was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Maeve was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Maeve handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was nursing. She was employed for 40 years as a nurse, mostly in the maternity ward. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Maeve to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Maeve did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Maeve was.

Maeve was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for the St. Kevin's Catholic Church Choir and Catholic Women's League. Politically, Maeve was a member of the Liberal Party.

Not only did Maeve enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Portugal and Ireland.

Maeve was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her cat, Smokey.

Since it was easy for Maeve to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Maeve was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1992. Her new life involved relocating to Mission, BC. In retirement, she found new pleasure in various outings with the Langley Seniors Recreation Center. Even in retirement, Maeve stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Maeve passed away on February 18, 2010 at Maple Hill Center, Langley Hospice, Langley, BC. Maeve went peacefully in her sleep after an eight week illness. She is survived by her children David (Carla), Shelagh (Peter) and Steven (Christine); her grandchildren Liam (Sheena), Christopher, Daniel, Owen, Thomas, and her great-grandchild Bailey. Services were held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mission, BC. Maeve was laid to rest in Hatzic Cemetery, Mission, BC.

Maeve was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Maeve was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Maeve Frances Roebuck.. Mission BC, on March 2, at 11:00am 2010, with an interment at the Hatzic cemetery.