NOSH Remembers Dr. Zawada
On the behalf of all the staff and volunteers at NOSH, North Shore Family Health Team, the medical clinics, and community, we are all devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Dr. Annabella Zawada. Bella was a well-respected physician who worked in our community for many years. The halls of The McCausland Hospital and clinic carry numerous memories of her passionate nature, generosity, and compassion for others. I'm sure all of us have a memory of her that we won't forget.
Dr. Annabella Zawada first came to Terrace Bay as a student, working under many of the local physicians of that time and during her residency training as a resident physician. She became an official part of the active medical staff when she began working at The McCausland Hospital on October 17th 2005. She completed her role with our team at McCausland and NSFHT in April 2015. Dr. Zawada was a very passionate and dedicated physician, which was evident in the excellent care she provided to her patients and projects she was involved in within the clinic, health team, hospital and community. She was one of the founding members of the North Shore Family Health Team in March 2006, and filled many leadership roles over the years within the FHT, clinics and hospital. She was a strong advocate for the issues she cared deeply about. She had integral role within the local daycare in our community of Terrace Bay, and enjoyed working alongside her husband Sean Irwin on many projects within the community. Bella and I worked closely together as colleagues and friends for almost six years to service our communities and collaborate on ideas for the health of our region.
After leaving our team in Terrace Bay in the spring of 2015, Bella found rewarding work in the establishment of the Umbrella Clinic in 2018 in Thunder Bay to help service the sexual health needs of the region.
Bella will be sadly missed by our communities, staff, patients, families and friends. Her memory can be honoured by posting a note on the Sargent & Son's funeral home memory wall. Her family has advised that her legacy will be remembered via a bursary for education. I would like to extend our condolences to all of Bella's family and dear friends. It is a heartbreaking loss for so many that knew her.
Dr. Lindsay McLeod
Associate Chief of Staff NOSH
Vice Chair NSFHT