April 17, 1933 – April 23, 2026 

On April 23, 2026, a beloved sister, aunt, friend, and guiding presence to a large and grateful family passed away peacefully in Kamloops, B.C., after living with Parkinson’s. She was 93 years old. 

Audrey Jean Cannons was born to Arthur and Gladys Cannons on April 17, 1933, in London, England. She was one of four children. 

She is lovingly remembered by her dear friend of 74 years, James (Jim) Shaw; the five of the six children she helped raise — Lorraine Shaw, Helen Kanski, Karen Shaw (Rob Weiler), Andrew Shaw (Rick Marcs), and Ian Shaw (David LeBlanc); their eleven children — Aryn Machell, Tiera Machell (Hilary McGregor), Ryland Wellwood, Elizabeth Wellwood, James Shaw (Dale Schultz), Audrey Beatty (Justin Beatty), Elaine Weiler (Jeremy Bourgeois), William Weiler (Calvin Lo), Karena Weiler (Keegan Laverty), Taylor Shaw, and Hunter Shaw; and their eleven children (Laerke and Ada Machell, Lynden and Nate Wellwood, Lane, Cheyanne, Tyson, and Jaxson Beatty, Owen and Ethan Bourgeois, and Quinn Laverty), her sister Beryl Ashby (Peter); her sister Pauline Bradshaw (Jim); and her nieces and nephews who held her dear. She was predeceased by her parents, her older sister Gladys, her dear friend Elaine, and Elaine and Jim’s oldest son, James (Marguerite). 

In the spring of 1959, Audrey — affectionately known as “Aunty Audrey”—made the courageous journey from her home in England to join her dear friends Jim and Elaine and their family in Canada. There, she became an essential part of the household, soon known as “Nan,” dedicating her life to helping raise the six children and supporting Jim and Elaine as they built their land-clearing business. Though she never married, her life was defined by deep love, quiet sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the family. 

Audrey helped create a home filled with warmth, structure, and care. She was known for her strong work ethic and her resilience. To the children she helped Jim and Elaine raise, she was far more than a helper — she was a constant source of comfort, guidance, and unconditional love. 

She found joy in life’s simple moments. She enjoyed baking, knitting, gardening, reading, and music. Her kindness touched everyone who knew her. 

She will be remembered for her selflessness, her quiet strength, and the immeasurable role she played in shaping the lives of the family she loved so deeply. 

Audrey’s life is a testament to the many forms family can take and to the lasting impact of showing up, day after day, with kindness and care. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Cannons family.

• Date : 2026-04-23
• Location : Kamloops