Obituary of Siobhan-Kathleen O-Meara

O'MEARA, Siobhan Kathleen November 18, 1963 - January 28, 2009. Siobhan was taken from us suddenly, shortly after sending email birthday greetings to her sister and father who would celebrate their birthdays on the 29th of January. A beautiful, vibrant, witty, talented woman, with indomitable spirit, she lived within the folds of a large family of Ottawa Valley Irish, French and English kinfolk, including Finnertys and O'Mearas, McGoverns and Sarazins, Sharpes, Murphys, Houlihans, Stantons, Norris's and Paczeks. She is survived and sadly grieved for by her children Dylan, Caitlin and Brenna, and their dad, Paul Arbour (Janice); by her father Philip O'Meara (Valerie Young) and her mother Patricia-Joan McGovern-Payne (Julian); by her grandparents May Oneita O'Meara (Sharpe), and Patrick and Carmen (Sarazin) McGovern; her beloved life-time sister Seanagh, brothers Chris, Garret (Lisa-Marie); by her uncles Edward, Patrick, Paul and Earl and by her aunts Kathleen Coulas (Earl), Louise O'Meara (Guy Landriault); especially by her nieces Declan, Teague, Alexandra, Chehalis; nephew Alexander; and by her many cousins and second cousins and by her dear friend Rick Tokarek. A great influence and love in her life came from her mother's sister Kathleen Coulas who was her best friend and leaves the definition of 'aunt' always open now: 'the person who most loves you if others fail'. So too her sister Seanagh and uncle Earl Coulas remained a supporting presence and counsellors-as too her former husband, Paul Arbour - Siobhan always appreciated how much he cared for and loved his family and their children. Similarly important to her was her grandfather Frank O'Meara (d 1995); cousin Michael O'Meara (d 1998) from whose death she never recovered as with that of her father's brother and Michael's father, Brian (d 1999). She had strong connections from her years growing up in Guyana, and with one family in particular, the Manbodhs, who shaped a great part of her life. Their eldest sister, Yeawattie, was a best friend, second mother, and confidante - and from her family of 9 siblings many brothers and sisters were available to both Siobhan and Seanagh. They are mourning deeply for her as are Ian, Mary and Keith McDonald whom she loved as well from Guyana to Canada. Siobhan travelled at various times to Nepal and Sri Lanka and the Philippines to visit family. Although she had a degree from U of T she loved most being a mother and making a home. She originally settled in Toronto with her husband and young family, and later returned to Ottawa to be closer to her family. She was working at Lee Valley Tools, a work place she loved for her colleagues, the spirit of the place, the friendships and wonderful conversations she had with customers. She was our beloved; she made life seem so joyful. She was a wonderful cook, hostess, friend, neighbour, lover of flowers, the Folk Festival, picnics at Lac La Peche, 'killer cuts' on her CD player, the radio show 'Canadian Spaces', always essentially so full of laughter. Her singing was magical - in harmony with her Aunt Kathleen and her sister Seanagh, sometimes with her dad. Singing "On the Banks of the Ohio", and always for her grandparents, and her Uncle Ted, "Plaisir d'Amour". Her family believes that this sweet wonderful woman is finally free of pain and filled with the joy she so deserves, wrapped in the love we all feel for her, safe and protected for eternity. A memorial service will be held later this year; but so many have asked for a place to meet earlier (including a candlelight vigil of neighbours outside her house on the night of her death), that there will be a celebration of Siobhan's life Saturday, February 7th at 11am at Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel, 2500 Baseline Road, followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Madonna House, 440 Kensington Ave, Ottawa. Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 2/4/2009