April 16, 1951 - March 14, 2025
Laura Maude Shaw was born in Bella Bella and she passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband, Charlie Thompson, her children, Derek, Darren, Deanna, Elwood, and Ida, her sister, Jessie Shaw, and her grandchildren.
Maude worked for nearly 40 years as the Head Cook for the Tsow-tun Lelum Society Substance Use and Trauma Treatment Centre both in its original location at Snaw-Naw-As and the new location at Cowichan Tribes. Maude cooked for thousands of people over the years and the nourishment she gave so freely to so many people will leave a lasting legacy of love, care and generosity.
Maude survived the indignity of the St. Michael's and the Alberni Indian Residential Schools, and in spite of these afflictions she made a conscious and thoughtful effort to live her life with a clear sense of dignity, generosity and integrity. Her children and grandchildren will honor her memory by remaining true to how she carried herself with humility, respect and kindness.
In accordance with her wishes there will not be a public funeral or memorial, and she asked all that knew her and loved her to bring peace and love into their lives and into the lives of the people they care about. She believed that life is far too precious to be caught up in hurt, regret and anger, and wished only the best for all of the family and friends that she loved and cared for.