Obituary of Vivian Irene Shanks

Shanks, Vivian Irene:  95, Halifax.  It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Vivian Irene (Allen) Shanks on February 13, 2018 at Shannex Parkland.  She is the eldest child of the late Lloyd and Hazel (Peasley) Allen of Vankleek Hill, Ontario.  Vivian met her husband, Gordon, in Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue Veterans Hospital, where she was working, and he was recovering from a war injury.  They married in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, on February 14, 1946 and then returned to Gordon’s home town of Halifax, where they set up residence in Spryfield until 2012.  Mom loved Nova Scotia, where she was particularly enamoured by the ocean.  She always said she could never go back home and leave the ocean behind.  Among her favorite spots to visit were Cape Breton and White Point Beach.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed bowling, and loved to go dancing at the Golden Age Center in Spryfield, where she met a few special friends.  She was a mother, a grandmother, great-grandmother, and also our friend, our confidant, and our greatest advocate.  She leaves behind an emptiness that will never be filled, but she also leaves behind some wonderful memories that we will cherish forever.  The family would like to thank the nursing staff of Shannex for their care and support, and also to the wonderful caregivers who stayed by Mom’s bedside for the past two weeks.

Vivian is survived by her three children, Barbara (Randall), Halifax, Bill (Dot), Yukon, and Larry (Kathy), Halifax, her 5 grandchildren, Stephen (Angelia), Mary-Anne (Andy), Greg (Melissa), Kevin and Matthew, 2 great-grandchildren, Brittany and Vivian, as well as her former daughter-in-law, Barb Charteris.  She is also survived by her beloved siblings, Iris, Iola, Evelyn, Phyllis, Keith and Irwin.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of 71 years, Gordon, brothers, Emerson and Sydney, and a sister Leona in infancy.

Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd.  There will be no service or visitation.  A private family graveside will take place at a later date.  Donations in memory of Vivian may be made to the charity of one’s choice.