Obituary of Pauline Shanahan Creaghan

It is with heartfelt sadness the family of Pauline Shanahan Creaghan announce her peaceful passing on Sunday, January 17th, 2021. Pauline was born in Miramichi and moved to Fredericton June 1959 when she married her beloved husband, Dick. Pauline was predeceased by her husband, (R.P. [Dick] Creaghan), her parents (JD and Lillian Shanahan), brothers Doug and Blair Shanahan, and sister Shirley More. She is survived by her daughters Kathy Gray (Brian) of Riverview, NB, and Deborah Hicks (Glen) of Saint John, NB; sons Patrick Creaghan (Kelly) residing in Perth Australia and Joseph Creaghan (Shelley) of Calgary, AB; 12 grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren; brothers Reg (Bertha) Shanahan of Fredericton, NB, and Ralph Shanahan of Miramichi; sister Joyce Harriman of Peterborough Ontario; and several nieces and nephews. Pauline was a Registered Nurse, an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, volunteered for several organizations, held numerous certifications, and worked with her husband, Dick, at their Fredericton retail store, Creaghan’s of NB. She was a realist who loved life and lived each day to the fullest and delighted in simple pleasures. As much as she cherished life, she cherished her family more. She never said no to an adventure especially if it involved her grandchildren; David, Kari, Kelly, Brandon, Emma, Erin, Richard, Jason, Alysha, Kaleigh, Meaghan and Erica whom she adored. She placed a strong emphasis on education and seizing opportunities; 4 of her 12 grandchildren lived with her at her home in Fredericton as they pursued post-secondary degrees. She loved to laugh and dance, and if asked her age, she would respond "29 and holding". When her grandson said "hi" she would always respond "How high?". Each Christmas she always made her famous short breads and scrabble for the family, which her grandchildren continue the tradition using her recipes. If there was a car going anywhere, she was in it. Her favorite place was her cottage in Burnt Church, NB, where she resided every summer, joined by her family and friends, playing golf, boating, and swimming. Pauline’s family extends a special thank you to Roxanne Burdett and all the staff at Monarch Hall for the excellent care and compassion she received of late. A graveside service for family and invited friends will be held on July 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Pallbearers will be David Gray, Jason Hicks, Brandon Hicks, Alysha Creaghan, Kaleigh Creaghan, and Wyatt Gray. Honorary Pallbearers will be her brothers, Reg and Ralph Shanahan. A livestream for those unable to attend in person can be viewed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/572698900 Mom, you will be greatly missed. Hope you are dancing in heaven. We love you.