Geraldine Shaw

Geraldine died at St. Julia's Hospice in Hayle of breast cancer. She went to Blackwater School.
Her first job was at Scorrier Packing Station after which she worked at Barncoose Hospital as an
auxilliary nurse. In 1977 when her daughter kathryn was four, Geraldine was diagnosed with breast
cancer. after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she believed she had conquered the disease and
gained a qualification in aromatherapy.

However, she was told in 2001 that her cancer had returned - she had secondary breast cancer.
"Dene" as she was afectionately known, never lost hope, believing that she would one day
conquer her illness.

Coping with years of difficult treatments that followed and being a single parent was not easy but
Geraldine did amazing things most people wouldn't attempt if they were well. She possessed a
great zest for life always planning to go somewhere. between chemotherapy courses ahe travelled to
Brazil, Ireland, New zealand and Scotland.

There were frequent trips in the UK, often going away for the weekend towing her caravan stuffed to
the brim with three dogs, kathryn and herself. She is remembered most of all for her love of
animals.

She looked after her three horses whom she would painstakingly feed without fail even on the days
when she had chemotherapy treatment. she was also devoted to her three dogs, Gypsy, China and Bess,
which she would take walking to Poldice Valley. Geraldine managed to re-home them all before she
died and often volunteered to walk dogs for other people who weren't well.

Never daunted, she strived to live for Kathryn. she also spent time with her friends at the Vine
Church in St. Ives partcularly Pam from whom she drew such spiritual strength. In 2006 she
celebrated her 50th birthday jointly with Schoolfriend Julia at Carharrack Social Club and, although
she got tired quickly, thoroughly enjoyed herself dancing until very late.

She never moaned or said a bad word about anybody and is described by all her friends as a
courageous lady who bore her illness bravely.