Obituary of Brigid Mary Bernadette O'Shea

February 11, 1953 – Limerick City, Ireland

May 16, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Brigid O’Shea died unexpectedly in Calgary, Alberta, on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the age of 69 years.

Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories: her son Owen, daughter in Law Michelle, grandson Leo; Brothers Ciaran (Laura), Brendan (Corinna), Sister Fiona; Nephews: Fintan, Liam, John, Michael, Benjamin, Rob and their families; Aunts: Doreen, Nuala, Martha and their families; Lifelong, devoted friends: Martin McGoldrick, Helen Daly and Liz and Gerry Groves and their families; many, many more friends, nursing colleagues, cousins (Ireland, Canada, USA), and members of the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary.

Brigid is predeceased by her son Brendan and his father Gordon, mother Ellen O’Flynn, father Patrick J. O’Shea, nephew Evan and brother-in-law Tom Whelan.

Brigid grew up in west Clare Ireland, graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing Dublin and immigrated to St. John’s, Newfoundland, and later settled in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 

After serving 35 years as a nurse (acute care, long-term care, community care) Brigid retired but continued generously and selflessly to share her nursing skills as an avid and passionate volunteer and advocate for many, many people and their families in need, right up to her untimely death. Throughout her working career, through retirement and up to the time of her death Brigid was actively engaged in local community activities: Tea and Conversation Seniors Group, AA, The Interdenominational Bible Church and Irish Cultural Society of Calgary’s Choir.

Brigid was an enthusiastic public speaker, actress, artist, writer, singer, Irish step-dancer and musician. A few of her many accomplishments included forming her Band: “O’Shea’s Shenanigan’s,” performing with the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary’s Choir and winning the Toastmasters Area World’s Competition for public speaking and graduating with a Canadian Certified Teacher’s Diploma in Iyengar Yoga 2019.

Brigid will be remembered and missed for her feisty and generous spirit, spontaneous launching into song, wit, engaging conversation, love of nature, thinking outside the box and her capacity for fun and enjoyment.

Respecting her wishes Brigid’s funeral has taken place with immediate family. Donations are graciously accepted in her name to World Vision or a local charity of one’s choice or, simply donating a random act of kindness. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Brigid O’Shea, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.