Hilda Jo Anne Shaw
July 1, 1935 - March 7, 2016
Most beloved wife of John Robert (Jack) Shaw. Determined, dedicated and loving mother of Susan (Jeff Church), Karen (Tom Pearce) and Ian. Delighted and very proud grandmother of Beth and Michael Pearce and Jackson Church.
Hilda and Jack met 62 years ago, playing badminton at U of T. Married for 59 1/2 years, they enjoyed summers in Muskoka (“Hilda’s Hilton”) and wonderful trips all over the world with good friends, family and Jack’s business colleagues. They started their married life in Toronto, moved to Brockville (where Hilda hosted the neighbourhood youngsters for the “Saturday School”), and then settled back in Etobicoke in 1965. The Queensborough and Royal Wood neighbours were and remain some of their closest friends, and all were dialed into each other’s children’s activities, successes and challenges.
Hilda was a fiercely loyal and stalwart friend. She was the one whom people trusted to do the right thing, with no questions asked, even if the right thing to do was very difficult. She had an unflinching moral compass that guided her behaviour. Given Hilda’s unshrinking nature, her notions of right or wrong were freely and forcefully shared. Many have acknowledged that although her advice or delivery may have been firm, “she was usually right”. She remained inquisitive, bright and challenging throughout her life and supported the wishes and dreams of family and those who just needed a “gentle” push or helping hand.
Hilda was a superb cook and welcomed family, friends and scads of her children’s friends to planned and impromptu feasts and parties. She taught many to successfully host and entertain, including best sandwich preparation (a thin layer of butter right to the edges equals freshness), Caesar salad for 60 (a green garbage bag makes for easy mixing), and tasty but not too deadly punch. Life was perfected with good food, fun and great planning.
Hilda had many other talents, including painting on canvas and china, bridge and golf. She played a big role in encouraging her children and their friends to strive and succeed. She was an avid curling fan and traveled across Canada to support Susan and Karen as junior curling champions. Hilda was also Ian’s hockey fan until (mercifully) those early morning practices and late night games came to an end.
Hilda was the third child of Hilda Coxon Keens and Harry Ewart Keens. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Coons, predeceased by sister, Patricia McAleer, and brother, Harvey Keens.
A private funeral is planned. A celebration of Hilda’s wonderful life will be held at St. George's Golf & Country Club, 1668 Islington Avenue, Etobicoke on Saturday March 12, 2016 from 1 to 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to a charity of your choice.
July 1, 1935 - March 7, 2016
Most beloved wife of John Robert (Jack) Shaw. Determined, dedicated and loving mother of Susan (Jeff Church), Karen (Tom Pearce) and Ian. Delighted and very proud grandmother of Beth and Michael Pearce and Jackson Church.
Hilda and Jack met 62 years ago, playing badminton at U of T. Married for 59 1/2 years, they enjoyed summers in Muskoka (“Hilda’s Hilton”) and wonderful trips all over the world with good friends, family and Jack’s business colleagues. They started their married life in Toronto, moved to Brockville (where Hilda hosted the neighbourhood youngsters for the “Saturday School”), and then settled back in Etobicoke in 1965. The Queensborough and Royal Wood neighbours were and remain some of their closest friends, and all were dialed into each other’s children’s activities, successes and challenges.
Hilda was a fiercely loyal and stalwart friend. She was the one whom people trusted to do the right thing, with no questions asked, even if the right thing to do was very difficult. She had an unflinching moral compass that guided her behaviour. Given Hilda’s unshrinking nature, her notions of right or wrong were freely and forcefully shared. Many have acknowledged that although her advice or delivery may have been firm, “she was usually right”. She remained inquisitive, bright and challenging throughout her life and supported the wishes and dreams of family and those who just needed a “gentle” push or helping hand.
Hilda was a superb cook and welcomed family, friends and scads of her children’s friends to planned and impromptu feasts and parties. She taught many to successfully host and entertain, including best sandwich preparation (a thin layer of butter right to the edges equals freshness), Caesar salad for 60 (a green garbage bag makes for easy mixing), and tasty but not too deadly punch. Life was perfected with good food, fun and great planning.
Hilda had many other talents, including painting on canvas and china, bridge and golf. She played a big role in encouraging her children and their friends to strive and succeed. She was an avid curling fan and traveled across Canada to support Susan and Karen as junior curling champions. Hilda was also Ian’s hockey fan until (mercifully) those early morning practices and late night games came to an end.
Hilda was the third child of Hilda Coxon Keens and Harry Ewart Keens. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Coons, predeceased by sister, Patricia McAleer, and brother, Harvey Keens.
A private funeral is planned. A celebration of Hilda’s wonderful life will be held at St. George's Golf & Country Club, 1668 Islington Avenue, Etobicoke on Saturday March 12, 2016 from 1 to 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to a charity of your choice.
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