Margaret A.M. Shears, Q.C.
Date de décès : 27 avril 2012
Margaret A.M. Shears, Q.C., died at home on April 27, 2012, in the loving arms of her husband and daughters with other grieving family members by her side.
Margaret was the wife of Barry Shears for 27 years, a period filled with constant and devoted love that they shared with their two daughters, Alison and Siobhan, her pride and joy. She was born and educated in Antigonish, graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1978 and subsequently obtained her law degree from Dalhousie Law School in 1981. She was designated as a Q.C. in 2008.
Margaret worked in the public service of Nova Scotia for a number of years and was vice-chair of the Utility and Review Board at the time of her death. She was a dedicated and loyal colleague to all those in her work environment. Margaret was committed to using common sense when making decisions and her love of writing enabled her to convey them in understandable language for the general public.
Margaret was involved in many professional and cultural organizations, including the Canadian Bar Association, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, and a founding member of the Halifax Gaelic Society.
However, her overriding love and attention during her life was to her husband and daughters. The girls meant everything to her and she loved and respected both of them, and was so proud of their success in education, music, travel and love of family. Her husband, Barry, was truly the love of her life and their marriage was a wonderful exchange of love, quick wit, and much humour. They shared a love of Celtic music and the Gaelic language, which she began to learn in 1975 in order to speak to her grandfather in Gaelic and English. She was so proud of Barry and his musical and authorial accomplishments and often provided editorial advice — whether requested or not. He was incredibly supportive and caring during the seven years of her illness. He, as well as Alison and Siobhan, will miss her deeply.
Along with her husband and daughters she is survived by her mother, Mary Jane (Dede) Kelly, Antigonish; sister, Elaine, New York City; brothers, Michael (Elinor), Halifax, Derek (Theresa), Ottawa; several nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Evelyn Shears, Glace Bay, and Barry’s sister and brothers.
She was predeceased by her sister Patricia Joanne and her father Joseph Patrick Thomas Kelly.
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 30, 2012, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. at St. David’s Presbyterian Church, 1544 Grafton St., Halifax.
Family flowers only, please. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.
