Shaunna O’BRIEN-MORAN

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O’BRIEN-MORAN: Shaunna O'Brien-Moran (nee Black). With the love of her life at her side, our incredible Shaunna passed away quietly in the dawn of June 5th, 2012 at the age of 47. In her final hours she was surrounded by her children, parents, family and friends. While we cannot imagine a life without her, we also cannot imagine what our lives would look like without knowing her. Her beauty, generous spirit and incredible strength will remain firmly etched in our memories, and our souls. Shaunna was born in Atikokan, Ontario on August 1, 1964 to Aileen and Jim Black. There, she and her younger sister Moira enjoyed a wonderful childhood, with many, many summers spent at the family ‘camp’. In 1973, the family moved to Thunder Bay where she lived through her teenage years excelling in academics, sports, music and socializing. Her involvement in gymnastics extended from participant to coach and judge. Musical achievements came in the form of completing her Grade 8 Piano and playing percussion in the high school band. Whatever she engaged in, Shaunna was a beacon of joy who attracted friends that would remain so for life. She maintained valued friendships that were nurtured every summer at Eva Lake, where all her birthday parties took place. She was a great reader from an early age, an enjoyable escape that continued until the loss of her vision in her late thirties. Shaunna moved to Winnipeg in 1983 to attend the University of Manitoba where she studied Literature and Women’s Studies. It was at the U of M that she met Richard O’Brien-Moran, and in what was no surprise to anyone that ever saw them together … they were engaged in 6 weeks. They married in 1987, in Thunder Bay and continued their great adventure in Winnipeg for the next 25 years less a month. Shaunna’s professional life was defined by her love of film. Like Richard, she was an vital part of the film industry of Manitoba. They began their careers together and were integral pieces of what was then only a small group of dedicated creators. Shaunna was the first Executive Director of MMPIA, the precursor to Onscreen Manitoba. She left MMPIA to work as a freelance production coordinator and production manager before joining Credo Group where she worked in business affairs and finally as executive in charge of Production. Their daughter Zoe was born in 1990, and son, Griffin in 1995. Together as a family they lived life to its fullest, going on many family vacations, riding many roller coasters, swimming in many oceans, and sitting on many beaches. She contracted Multiple Sclerosis in the early 90s but refused to allow it to define her. Shaunna dismissed the hardships of travelling great distances and with her beloved Richard who captained their adventures, she travelled across Australia, the South Pacific and the Caribbean to satisfy her appetite for life and increasing the challenge by learning to scuba dive. After she could no longer physically handle full time work, she stayed actively engaged with a community she loved and devoted her time to family, friends, CBC Radio and endless audiobooks, about which she always had much to say. No one who knew Shaunna ever felt that she did not care for them, and would ever judge them. She was always there to see everyone thru their most wonderful days, and darkest hours. Through no-coercion on her part, Shaunna elicited confessions from friends and strangers who felt compelled to tell her their deepest secrets, fears and dreams. Endlessly positive and optimistic, she fought to the bitter end. We will love her, and miss her, madly, every day but by no one more than her husband Richard O’Brien-Moran, daughter Zoe, son Griffin, parents Aileen and Jim Black, sister & brother- in-law Moira & David Essa, sister-in-law Louise O’Brien-Moran. In addition, Shaunna leaves behind her Uncle & Aunt Neil & Dianne Douglas, Cousins Stewart & Trevor Douglas as well as Trevor's wife, Nicole and their children. Shaunna's loss will also be felt by the very large family and extended family she joined when she married Richard. Shaunna was predeceased by her grandparents, John & Helen Douglas and Bill & Mildred Black. We thank the staff at Klinic and in particular Dr. Mike Dillion as well as the Victoria General Hospital 4th Floor North team for the support and care she received over the years, especially during the last few months. Our thanks go to everyone who assisted Shaunna and her family at home through the years and in particular Louise Cameron, Nancy Doerkson and Laura Alverez. A memorial service celebrating Shaunna’s life will take place Saturday, June 9th at 2:00 PM at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard. We welcome all who have experienced the joy of knowing Shaunna. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the organization that has helped Shaunna and her family most significantly through the years, Klinic Community Health Centre. Please go to www.klinic.mb.ca/donations.htm or call 1-204-784-4076. Thomson “In the Park” 925-1120. Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 08, 2012