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ANNIS SHADDY
Peacefully, on February 15, after a long decline with vascular dementia. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she was a generous and caring mother who made flash cards for her children, signed them up for various lessons (including French before it was a political issue), and planned road trips so they could learn about Canada. The closest thing she had to a hobby was gardening and collecting Canadian art and antiques.
It was, in fact, while gardening alongside her next-door neighbour, the wife of a federal cabinet minister, that she was bitten by the political bug in the late 1950s. Soon, she was reading Hansard and managing campaigns for both federal and provincial candidates. Then, in the early 1970s, after years working as a volunteer, she was asked to step in as acting (and eventually permanent) executive director of both the Manitoba party and the provincial wing of the federal party, one of the first women in Canada to hold such a position. Not only was she a trailblazer herself; she hired capable women (especially those re-entering the workforce), recommended them for key positions in ministers’ offices, and encouraged them to run in winnable ridings. During her tenure, she revamped party finances, oversaw general election campaigns and leadership conventions, and rebuilt headquarters after a disastrous fire. It is a testament to her professionalism and impartiality that, after stepping down, she enjoyed lasting friendships with people from various camps across the province and across the country.
In retirement, she volunteered for the University of Winnipeg and other causes and, with her husband Joe, was always ready to lend a helping hand. After Joe’s death in 2012, she moved to Taunton Mills, a seniors’ residence in Whitby ON.
She is survived by her children, Lindsay (Fraser Bleasdale) of Peterborough, William (Tara Lamb) of Sarasota FL, and Cynthia (David Chidley) of Whitby, along with her grandsons, Stafford Lamb Shaddy (Allison) and Bruce Chidley. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Extendicare Oshawa for their kindness and care over the past seven years.
A reception to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. (with remarks at 2:30) at Neil Bardal Funeral Home, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3H 1B9 (204) 949-2200 (neilbardalinc.com).
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2024, Feb 24, 2024
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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Very sad to hear dear Annis has passed, she was an amazing political mentor to me. I will never forget she, Senator Nurgitz and I sharing perogies and sauterne as I waited one evening for faxes to arrive from headquarters during an advance task. We also served together on the National Parole Board where she again gave great advice. I cherish the memories of dinners with she and Joe. Deep condolences to Lindsay, Bill and Cynthia. - Posted by: Graham Gork (Family friend) on: Feb 24, 2024