St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
200 King St. W.,
Cobourg
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
200 King St. W.,
Cobourg
Columbus Community Centre
232 Spencer Street East,
Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Nellie had a significant presence in this world as a wife, mother, Nanny, sister, aunt, mentor, nurse, neighbour, and a thoughtful, kind friend to all.
She was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick to parents Edith and James Burtt, and died peacefully at home, surrounded by family in her 103rd year. An incredible life well lived, deeply loved, and an inspiration to so many. Affectionately known to many as “Nanny.” She had a sense of peace, calm, love and compassion.
Beloved wife of the late Wilson Manley Shaver (1995). Loving mother of the late Elizabeth Moore (late Richard), the late Beverley Smith, Valerie Vickers (John), and Rena Retallick (Paul).
Much loved Nanny to Danielle (Jim), Melissa and Michelle Kennedy; Timothy (Marina), Julie (Trevor), Brian, and Amy Smith; Ian (Shannon) and Adam (Meredith) Vickers; and Stephen (Cynthia) and Shaun Retallick.
Loving great-grandmother to 15 great-grandchildren: Owen, Leah, Matthew, Nathan, Miles, Lewis, Emerson, Maxwell, Brinley, Briar, Landon, Wren, Francis, John and the late Angela.
Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.
Predeceased by her parents, James and Edith (nee Thompson) Burtt; sisters, Catherine Smith (Max) and Marian Currelly (Paul).
A member of the greatest generation, she lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the reigns of five monarchs!
She will be remembered for her profound love of family, her deep abiding faith, her kindness, love of nature and gardening, her patience and incredible ability to accept change and continually learn new things. She truly was special to all who knew and loved her.
Loving appreciation to her granddaughter, Melissa, for her constant, compassionate care. Special thanks for exceptional care from: Betty Kennedy; Tracy, Tara and Holly (Flourish); Melanie, Tracey and Honour (VON); and Cailin, Melanie, Ainsley and Sunita (St. Elizabeth). A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Emma Smith for end-of-life care.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nellie’s memory can be made to Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, or St. Andrew’s Church, Cobourg.
Nellie’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday July 10th at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 200 King St. West, Cobourg. Visitation from 10:00am - 11:00am followed by a service at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer St., Cobourg from 12:30pm -3:00pm.
“We come to the earth, we return to the earth,
and in between we garden.”
- author unknown
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Malcolm and I wish to extend our sympathy to Nellie’s family. She will be missed by many.
My sincere condolences to Nellie’s loving family. I am lucky enough to have known her granddaughter Danielle and her family for many years and fondly remember “Nanny” as a kind and beautiful soul. I know that her family is blessed by the wonderful memories of her.
Nellie was our beloved neighbor and We will miss her presence dearly. What stood out the most about Nellie was her genuine neverending warmth and caring anytime we interacted with her. She was so uplifting and kind in all our interactions. The world could benefit from more people that shines as bright as she did during her time here. This earth is left a better place because of her loving presence. Fare thee well my friend...we know she is home again ❤️🙏
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Aunt Nellie was one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She was inspirational to me in my career as a fellow nurse. Her curiosity, love of life & devotion to those she loved was a testament to how to live life well. She will be missed by many. Condolences to her family. Julie.
Condolences from the Walters Family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
My heartfelt condolences to Nellie's family. As so many others have said..."a life well lived and well loved". I worked on "Second Medical" at the Cobourg General Hospital in the 1960's and really did enjoy working evenings with "Mrs. Shaver". She was an excellent nurse and taught me a great deal. Later as evening supervisor, she was well respected and appreciated. We shared a love of gardening and again I learned from her. We attended the yearly Alumnae Dinners in Peterborough together for many years. She was always one of my favorite mentors and fellow nurses. She was a lovely woman! With sincere sympathy, Diane Froncz
Dear Shaver Family, My condolence to the family. She was a sweetheart . Keep your memories close to you. I worked at the Hospital back in the 60,s Heaven has gain a special angel.
Dear Shaver family Sending our love and prayers to you at this difficult time . Cherish all the good memories and hold them close to your hearts. Wendy and Rick
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Bridge Hospice
Dear Shaver Family Nellie was the most wonderful individual always a lovely smile and kind words. I would see her most Sundays at church until it was no longer possible for her to attend. She had a great memory and could recall many happenings throughout her life time. Nellie will most certainly be missed by her family but also by all her friends. My deepest condolences to her family.
I have so many wonderful memories of working at the hospital in Cobourg. I was a new grad and Mrs Shaver became a mentor to me, learned so much from her! Had the honour of working with her for many years - she made a huge impact on us as nurses, but also the patients and families! RIP my dear friend!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
My condolences to the family. Nellie was always a favourite person to share the pew with on Sundays.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Our sincere condolences to all of Nellie's family. She, indeed, was a very special lady and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
So very sorry for your loss. Nellie was such a lovely person. She and my mom were very good friends, and as such I spent time with Nellie too. Enjoy the many memories you made with her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dearest Danielle, Melissa and Michelle, and Shaver families ~ so sorry for the loss of your special family member; condolences to all ❤️
My sincere condolences on the passing of Nellie, grandmother of Danielle, Melissa and Michelle Kennedy, of whom I heard so many wonderful things. I know she brought much love to her family and will be dearly missed.
Hi Rena, saw the name and thought it might have been your Mom. Sorry for the loss, but looks like she had a long and happy life. Take care.
Dear Shaver family. Wow 103!! Your Mom, Grandma etc. was a VERY special lady. I met her close to 60 years ago through Rena. We were friends in grade school and what do you know years later one of my best friends became Lizzy. My connection to the Shaver family feels like a very good positive part of my life and Nellie was a cornerstone for it all. I so remember her being a nurse at the old Cobourg hospital and she came into my room one afternoon and just sat with me having a visit, rubbing my back and being a comfort. Such a strong, compassionate loving person. I feel your loss folks and hope you memories wrap around your hearts. Hugs, Karen Hall (nee Morton) & Dale
Sending my condolences to your family at this time. Nellie was a rare gemstone. In my few weeks caring for her she taught me a lot about family, life, and being a kind human. She will be greatly missed! Sending you all the love❤️
To The Shaver Family With sincere sympathy at the loss of your matriarch. "Nanny" was well loved and respected. She taught her family well to love one another. She will be missed
Nellie was a very special person who was loved by all. She was especially proud that her father helped to rebuild St. Andrew’s Church after the fire. She was a true example of Christianity in motion and a wonderful example for all of us.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Danielle, Melissa and Michelle , We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences Danielle and families. Cherish all the beautiful memories.
Very sorry for your loss xo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My deepest condolences to your family. I will cherish my memories of being their neighbour on Orchard Ave. and the friendship between my Mom and Nelly. Big hugs to Danielle and Val for your unwavering care of Nelly and for your support of myself and my Mom throughout her life.
Rena and family, Deepest condolences on the loss of you mom. Such a wonderful life she had. May your happy thoughts guide you through this difficult time.
To know Nellie was to know her beautiful, soft, wise, full of love smile. Our deepest sympathies to her precious family. With love, Ken and Karen 💕
We are so sad to hear of Mrs. Shaver`s passing.... We were her neighbors for 43 glorious years. We had many conversations with her in our back yards together, What a great lady , We will miss her tremendous wit & views of the world. All our love from the Dafoe Family
What an incredible legacy! Nanny inspired me to create beautiful in a world that was not always beautiful - whether that be in the garden or painting. I will always treasure the gentle guidance she gave me as I learned to paint dishes sitting at her kitchen table. I send my deepest sympathies to your family xo
Val, John, Adam, Ian, and your family the Cole family is sending sympathy for your loss and wishing peace for your matriarch, Nellie. Like many in Cobourg, your Mom was present at the births of our children,giving us confidence as we approached parenting. What a life well lived..and a wonderful legacy.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
My deepest sympathies to the Shaver family. Nellie was a wonderful person in every way. She will be missed but hope you remember all the good things she has done.
Mrs. Shaver was one of the best nursing supervisors I have ever had. My condolences to the family. I will remember her fondly.
Mrs. Shaver was one of the best nursing supervisors I have ever had. My condolences to the family. I will remember her fondly.
So sorry to hear of Dear Nellies passing ,she was a wonderful lady ,a dear friend to many ,a life well lived RIP Nellie 😢
I knew Nellie as a long time graduate of Nicholls/Civic hospital in Peterborough, and worked with Bev also at Civic Hospital. Rena and Paul’s were friends from St Paul’s Presbyterian Church also in Peterborough. Our condolences to all her family. Joan and Frank Lucas
Dear Val and Rena and families, my sincerest sympathy for the loss of this wonderful lady. I felt privileged to meet her when dear Bev was with her. She so delighted in showing us her beautiful gardens. What an incredible legacy for a life so well lived! Now she can rest!!
So sorry for your loss. My her memory be a blessing.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I am so sorry for the loss of Aunt Nellie. I was blessed to have known her for many years. She set a good example for all of us.
Years ago as a rookie teacher at Merwin Greer, Nellie and Mickey arrived to register all their girls. Later we had serious, long term illness at the hospital, if we could not locate John Rose we searched for Nellie for an update. After service at St. Andrew's Jean and I often shared coffee and chat withNellie.Latterly we traded dahlia bulbs. Nellie was indeed a very special person!
As a young nurse I started in Emer. in 1966 & nellie was my superviser. She helped me out of many difficult situations. RIP Nellie.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a most amazing lady. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did and said. She brought peace and calm to everyone around her and will be greatly missed. I will always remember her as the calm centre in the loving chaos of family gatherings and loved listening to her stories and pearls of wisdom. The boys will treasure the many cards and pictures she painted for them over the years.
Sincerest condolences being sent to you Rena and your family. What an amazing life for your Mom. Big hugs to you.
I am saddened to hear of Nellie’s passing. Growing up, she was a wonderful neighbour, and an amazing nurse - always smiling. I’m sure she will be up there keeping an eye on Earl & Gord, and reuniting with her beloved, Micky and her beautiful girls. My sincere condolences to all. Rest peacefully Nellie, you brought such joy to our world.
Mrs. Shaver was revered in our house growing up. My Mom loved and respected her as a nurse. My dad thought the world of her and enjoyed time spent with her at St. Andrew's. I cherish a hand painted plate Mrs. Shaver gifted me 35 years ago as a wedding gift. To her family, I send deepest condolences. She was a wonderful woman!
Sincere condolences to all the family. I have such fond memories of Nellie from my holiday visits to my late brother Richard. She was a LADY in the true sense !
Danielle, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Nanny. She is joyfully reunited with all of her loved ones. May she rest in Heavenly Peace.
Danielle, we are so sorry to hear the loss of your grandmother
I am so grateful to have known this incredibly special woman and am honoured that she considered me an extra daughter. Her love of life and positive attitude is something to aspire to. She will be missed. Sending heartfelt condolences to the family. XO
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Dear Val, Rena & families I’m so sorry for your loss but what a wonderful life she lived. Your Mom made such a difference in so many people’s lives. My first recollection of her was when I was a very young girl at St. Andrews church I loved her beautiful smile. I’ll always remember her as a kind, caring Mom, friend and nurse who helped so many through rough times. Sending heartfelt condolences.
Sending heartfelt condolences on he passing of a wonderful lady. She was a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Sincere condolences to all the family. Mrs. Shaver was a great friend. She was kind, caring and a great mentor to us as we raised our family. I love the chosen quote as I will always think of her in the garden where she was always willing to share many of her gardening tips as well seeds and plants. Cherish the memories.
There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing someone so deeply loved. Your Nan was such a beautiful, kind, and loving presence throughout so many stages of our lives. From our childhood memories to the moments we shared as adults, she always welcomed everyone with warmth, kindness, and a smile that made you feel at home. She lived such a wonderful life, surrounded by the love of an incredible family who cherished her every single day. That love was evident in the way she was cared for and in the beautiful memories she leaves behind. I will always be grateful for the time I had with her and the many special memories she was a part of. She touched so many lives simply by being herself, and she will never be forgotten. Please know that my heart is with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. May you find comfort in the countless memories, the love she gave so freely, and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Love Debbie ♥️
One of the great many nurses my mother had the privilege of working with so many years ago. A great lady so many of us will have memories of. Rest in peace Mrs. Shaver. Marion Neill Switzer
A very special lady!! Sending our sincere condolences to all of her family. What beautiful memories you have!!
One very special lady. A life well lived. Condolences to all the family. Joan
Thinking of all of you now. We all loved Mrs. Shaver! She was there when our children were born, there for all of us over the years right beside the school where we knew we could count on her smile. Sending a hug and having many wonderful memories.
Nellie has been a fixture in so many of our lives. Her smile and friendly greeting always brightened my day. Her children attended school with me and my siblings. They were all active at St Andrew’s. Her love of gardening and painting and especially her continuous love of learning was an inspiration to many. You’ve been such a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her beautiful family
A special person to every single person she touched.
What a gem she was! Always loved when we met! Rest in peace great lady!
A life well lived and a life well loved