Shannon Hausauer
Posted Feb 6, 2025 | 10:17 AM by Grace Memorial Affordable Burial and Cremation
Shannon Hausauer
1955 – 2025
I never want anyone to say I died peacefully. Whether I did or didn’t, in my heart and soul, I was screaming and kicking until the end. No-one wants to die. But, knowing I have left a legacy for my children and grandchildren to enjoy what life has to offer, I am at peace.
I was born Shannon Mary-Jane Stark in North Bay, ON, 11 April 1955 to Phyllis and Gerry Stark. They found my first name on the roof of a barn in Callander, ON. Dad was RCAF when he and Mom met in Portage La Prairie. They married in January 1954 and began a life together that spanned 46 years until Dad’s passing. Numerous moves throughout that time brought them back to where they began.
I didn’t get it right the first time (but I birthed four bright and beautiful children), however, my life has ended while married to the sweetest, most caring man. We didn’t always see eye to eye on whose turn it was in the kitchen (takeout), American politics or COVID-19, but Keith was my steadfast supporter through the loss of my Mom, close friends, and both the joy and the disappointments that family can sometimes bring. Caring for me throughout my own battle with cancer, he has never faltered. No matter what I needed.
They say your whole life is based on one choice. The choice I made led me to Huronia Regional Centre for 15 years, where I made many friends. Some of those friends disappeared out of loyalty to another. Not one to stand for my true friends being constantly quizzed over my life, I left Community and Social Services.
The move to Corrections became the best decision I had ever made. Surrounded by bright, funny, trustworthy people with solid advice, it was easy to earn and build trust with those on both sides of the bars. My Barrie Jail family held, and still holds, the most memorable of events both on and off duty. Barrie Jail reunions were always well attended and my mantra was, “If I can make even a small difference in somebody’s life, I’m doing my job well”. Mutual respect and a positive attitude made 20 years fly by. Along the way, I became a Crisis Negotiator, First (and Only) Female Admitting and Discharge Officer in the history of the Barrie Jail, an original Escort Officer, a proud member of the Ceremonial Unit, and a Staff Trainer. Mike, Trish, Billy and Cathy and very close Barrie Skeletons in my closet and Sturn, Bob, Sandy, Tara and Marnie are my Kenora Bones.
Along the way, I became involved with Cops for Cancer, Citizens on Patrol, Lake of the Woods Search and Rescue, and St. John Ambulance. Meeting and making new friends was always rewarding.
My friendship with Heather Mills has lasted over 40 years and thousands of miles. The sister I never had, she has long been my rock, especially while I looked after Mom the last three months of her life. With Keith’s support, Mom’s close friends, Heather, a few cigarettes, and Apple Orchard Cider, I was able to maintain the positive and supportive role Mom needed.
I have been pre-deceased by my parents, Gerry and Phyllis Stark; and my in-laws, Pamela “Mummy” and “The Donald” Hausauer. I am survived by my most loved husband and caretaker (no easy feat), Keith Hausauer; my very loved children and grandchildren, Lisa, Sturn and Liljá and Thor Vigfusson; Mark, Ruth, Aiden and Ariana Mary-Jane Leef; Lindsay, Adrian, Taylor and Odin Thomas; Kevin and Breanna Leef; Keith’s son, Bill (Kristina) Hausauer; and his brother, Ken (Colleen) Hausauer. I could not have asked for a more loving relationship with each.
Keith and I owe a huge thank you to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, an amazing group of people who make the phrase “Cancer Centre” worthy of its title. Thank you to Dr. Amina Taleb, the Community Paramedics, Franz and the Palliative Care Team and all those who greeted me with cheerful attitudes at each and every appointment. Dr. M. Venter, Chelisa and Kathryn worked very hard to take care of pain management, for which I am very grateful.
My friends and family and reflections of my legacy. My life has been enriched by not only the impact I had on people and places, but the impact they have had on mine. My precious companions, Pepper, Loki, Misty Blue and Isabella Rose are in safe hands with Keith’s unwavering devotion.
Emily Dickinson wrote, “Dying is a wild night and a new road”. A road I must now travel alone, but forget me not, as I will not forget you.
Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com.
- Date : 2025-02-05
- Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta