The family of the late Shawna Marlene Rooke wishes to announce her passing on Nov. 5, 2023, poetically on her 53rd birthday. She was a beautiful soul who touched people deeper than she ever knew. Her kindness and genuine compassion for others, both young and old, were effortless. However, animals seemed to take her focus no matter who else was in the room. Shawna grew up in a Canadian military family and lived all over the country during her childhood. She learned about respect, discipline, adaptability and acceptance of cultures different from her own. She was quiet and sweet, yet had the passion and conviction of a warrior. Shawna valued education and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Many of her degrees and certificates were never framed for lack of wall space. She began her post-secondary education career at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. Other degrees, masters and certificates were attained over the years, from Université Sainte Anne, Canyon College, Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson University), George Brown College, Athabasca University and University of Toronto, to name a few. She was in the process of a doctorate, but the last few years of her life were complicated by medical issues.
Professionally, she was like no other. Quite exceptional. In her own words, taken from a cover letter, she wrote:
“With 15 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, I have had diverse opportunities to grow my abilities and specialties within shared practice models, autonomous rostered models, and walk-in/emergency models. Working in both acute and primary care settings, I have maintained my pediatric specialty and gerontology specialty, as well as developing additional specialties that include LGTBQ+ (transition and primary care), pain management and methadone clinics, palliative care, dermatology and infectious diseases. My love for teaching is evident through feedback from peers and students, who often note my enthusiasm and knowledge base, plus an ability to break down complex material, whether it be pathophysiology, theory, therapeutics, or skills. I find that my extensive and diverse clinical background allows me to pull clinical examples for students and discuss cases pertaining to their learning requirements.”
Shawna loved adventure and would travel when she could fit it into her schedule; Italy was her favourite. She was also interested in languages and could carry her own in French and Spanish, and her Italian was getting better with every chance to practise. She would also push herself to learn specific words and phrases in more languages to connect to her patients and friends.
Spending time and working in her garden was a source of pride, but her love of nature went far beyond her backyard. She sailed in Halifax, Lake Ontario, Saint Martin and anywhere in between when she was invited aboard. Dragon-boating, canoeing and especially kayaking were also great pleasures. Below the water’s surface while snorkeling and scuba diving, her scientific mind and curiosity would come alive.
Shawna loved her vehicles and enjoyed each one for different reasons. Her Jeep Wrangler adventures with her kitties and her Honda Twinstar Motorcycle in her twenties would bring a special twinkle to her eye.
She danced. Oh boy, did she dance! From a very early age, she took lessons in highland dancing, and danced right off the stage during one of her recitals. Jazz and hip hop followed in her twenties and thirties, but when she discovered latin and ballroom, all other styles just faded into the background. Shawna practised with the same tenacity that she had for health care and quickly set her sights on competitions. She competed in the Niagara Falls Premier and aspired to enter the Blackpool International Competition in the U.K. She was embraced by the Blueheel Dance Studio family: Bee, Caroline, Ko, Sithi, Corola, Kalon and Mildred with open arms. Seamlessly, she grew from student, assistant and instructor to business partner all within a few short years. Her enthusiasm and creativity raised the bar in everything she touched: web design and marketing, social media, theme night decorations and group instructions. She especially loved and dove into wedding dance choreography with fervour! Every couple was uniquely embraced and listened to. She fought for their vision of what they wanted for their special day and pulled inspiration from different styles, movie scenes and the tender lyrics in their special songs. Blueheel was voted “Best Wedding Choreography in the City” for a reason!
When Shawna was in grade school, someone asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her answer, “A dancing nurse” How many of us live to fulfill our childhood dream?
Shawna is survived by her loving family in Nova Scotia, June and Ernie Rooke, and her little sister, Leanne (Alf). Her favourite uncle Bob, cousins, Jane, Heather, Cathy and Sandra; Shawna’s aunt Evelyn in Ottawa and special aunt Carol and aunt Sheila in Nova Scotia will miss her terribly. She is predeceased and now reunited with her very special sweet kitties, Sophie, Quinnie, Pino and Shadow. Her maternal grandparents whom she adored, Marion and Harry (Pap) Goodwin were waiting for her along with her aunt Joy, uncle Cecil, uncle Freddy and uncle Garry.
Lastly, Shawna, with great strength, survived and flourished after suffering from domestic violence. She was smart, steady and careful. Being scared is not a way to live and she overcame many obstacles for a quality life. She wanted to help in any way she could and would donate to women’s shelters to help the “next one.” She also knew the difficulties that shelters for sweet animals face.
In honour of Shawna, please make it count. Do something to help our fellow human and animal in need. She would smile knowing there was hope.