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FATEME SHAMS
Date of Passing: Oct 12, 2013
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation
FATEME SHAMS It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our devoted mother, Fateme Shams, on Saturday, October 12, 2013. Fateme is lovingly remembered by her son Cyrus and his wife Lianne and grandchildren Talia and Leo of Winnipeg, daughter Leili and her husband Trevor of Ottawa, niece and nephews, Zahra, Ali Reza, and Mohammad Reza of Iran, and her many friends, colleagues, and extended family. She is predeceased by her parents, mother Robabeh Shams née Rezaie and father Gholamali Shams, and her brother Abbas Shams. Fateme was born in Shemiran, Iran on April 26, 1936. She studied nursing for three years at the Reza Shah School of Nursing, managed by the Red Lion and Son (Red Cross), receiving instruction from Canadian, American, Swiss and Danish nurses, as part of a first of its kind training program in Iran facilitated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Graduating in 1959 and placing at the top of her class, she left Iran in October of that year after receiving a fellowship from the WHO to study nursing at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. While in New Zealand, Fateme proudly wore her Red Lion and Sun badge, white uniform and nursing cap during her training and described her experiences in local news articles. She returned to Iran in 1961 with a diploma in Teaching and Administration of Nursing, having trained throughout New Zealand, in particular Kew Hospital in Invercargill. In 1963, Fateme received a second WHO scholarship, travelling to Canada in May 1964 to continue her education. In April 1967, Fateme graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing. She returned briefly to Iran and took on the role of Acting Director at the Red Lion and Sun School of Nursing. In 1970, Fateme settled in Winnipeg, MB, which became her new home in Canada. She worked as a nursing educator at the St. Boniface School of Nursing for 25 years, from 1971 until her retirement in 1996. Her time in New Zealand had a great impact on her, and Fateme returned to relive many fond memories during a visit in 1989, accompanied by her family. She continued to teach privately for some time in her retirement, assisting international students with their own nursing education. Fateme was tirelessly devoted to her family and loved ones, in particular her children and grandchildren, and her many close lifelong friends, students, and colleagues, as well as to the many new friends she developed in recent years. She extended her kindness and generosity unsparingly and evoked many smiles and full stomachs with her gifts of folk festival cookies, chocolate zucchini loaves, and rum balls. A colon cancer survivor, Fateme successfully fought this illness between 2005 and 2007 with the help of the caring doctors and nursing staff, of whom many were former students and colleagues, at St. Boniface General Hospital. Fateme was a passionate and proud supporter of the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, referring to "St. B" as her second home and to its staff, her colleagues, as her extended family. She struggled in her last few years with the effects of progressive supranuclear palsy and passed away peacefully at Poseidon Care Centre on October 12, 2013. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Poseidon Care Centre, in particular the 5th floor health care team, as well as to the afternoon and evening caregivers from the Comforts of Home Care, for their compassion, patience, and kindness over the past year. Two viewings will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodière Blvd. Interment is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the St. Boniface Cemetery, 917 Archibald St. A memorial service honouring Fateme's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013, at the St. Boniface Hospital Chapel (C wing, 2nd floor of the hospital), 409 Taché Ave, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation would be appreciated to celebrate Fateme's life, and her love of her second home. Family and friends wishing may sign a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2013
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I just found this Tribute of Mrs Shams online, and I like to add a few lines. I remember as a seven year old kid I used to go to her house in Amirieh, Tehran, with my Aunt to stay around while they have English lessons. She was a good looking young lady like my aunt and of course there were another two other girls. Good memories, God bless her. - Posted by: simin masoumi (Niece of Mrs Shams friend,s Azam Sayahi from REza Shah Kabir nursing university ) on: Sep 16, 2014
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Our whole family will miss Fati dearly. She was a kind, generous, and loving person who dedicated her life to helping others. Leili and Cyrus, please accept our heartfelt condolences on behalf of myself and my parents, Hamid and Fatemeh. - Posted by: Rohm Alvandi (Cousin) on: Oct 19, 2013
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It was a privilege to have Fateme as a nursing instructor at St. Boniface Nursing School. She was, without a doubt, my favorite nursing teacher- supportive, kind and funny. She was generous with her time, expertise and knowledge. I attribute my continued love and passion for nursing, in part, to this fabulous lady. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Jennifer Savoie (former student) on: Oct 17, 2013
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Fati was a wonderful person. Giving, honest, loving, and caring. We will miss her and always remember her wonderful qualities. Our thoughts and love go out to her and her family. - Posted by: Kourosh Asgarian (Nephew ) on: Oct 17, 2013
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Dear Lianne and Cyrus: Please accept our condolences on the loss of your mother. Sincerely, Irmgard and Waldie - Posted by: Waldemar Lehn (Friend) on: Oct 17, 2013
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I met Fati in 1988 when we first arrived in Winnipeg. She immediately connected to us and was so kind and generous. I will never forget her friendly smile and kind words. Our friendship got stronger through the coming years, we moved to Vancouver and we always kept in touch by phone, she came to Vancouver for a test after her recovery from cancer and we met her there for a day. Last time I saw her was in Winnipeg in 2012. She was very frail, but still smiling and giving me encouraging words for living a full life. She was a great person who touched my heart and will be remembered as a close friend for as long as I live. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Fariba vaziri(mohammad zadeh) (Old friend from winnipeg) on: Oct 16, 2013
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Fate was very supportive, thoughtful and kind to me. She was my mentor, assisting me with my nursing studies and gave me encouragement during that time. We became friends since 1997 even though recently we lost touch with each other. Fate has always been in my thoughts and I will miss her infectious smile. - Posted by: Sara (Friend) on: Oct 15, 2013
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Fatema will be sadly missed. She was a wonderful role model of all ages - Posted by: Samia Barakat () on: Oct 15, 2013
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I knew Fateme through the university Women's Club of Winnipeg and always think of her when in the McWilliams Room where her beautiful rug is situated. - Posted by: Muriel Smith (friend) on: Oct 15, 2013
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I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of your Mother, Cyrus and Leili. I still remember the Christmas party at your parents, and the wonderful spread your Mom put on, in particular the grape leaf rolls she made. I am sure you have many loving memories of your Mom to forever hold in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Shelly - Posted by: Shelly Girardin (Friend) on: Oct 15, 2013
