Shirley Anne Conkie died peacefully and painlessly surrounded by family on November 22nd, 2021 in Victoria, British Columbia. Bill, her husband of 67 years, was at her side every day and her ever- loving caregiver for these last few years.
Shirley was the daughter of Frank and Ethel Killbride and was born and grew up in Boston Bar, British Columbia. She was predeceased by her three sisters, Joan, Frances and Pat. She was exceptionally proud of the fine women her two daughters, Jennifer (David) and Barbara (Mark), have become. She was grandmother to Tom Howie, Jessica, Collin and Liam Swain and had the chance to meet her two great-grandchildren in 2021, Isla (Tom & Kristina) and Callum (Jessica & Rob).
Shirley was a nurse, a teacher, a wife, a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She had a remarkable 40-year career as a nurse and paediatric nursing teacher who always went above and beyond at work and in life. She loved Kingston and was part of the city, walking the Rideau Trail, teaching nursing at St. Lawrence College, and being part of the Queen’s Faculty community.
She is remembered as a strong person with a sharp mind and an infectious chuckle. When prompted, she would say her happiest times in life were when she had the opportunity to travel with her husband Bill on sabbaticals to England. She loved the many side trips through Europe in their small, trusty Peugeot. She also loved paddling with her sister Pat down the Nahanni River and adventurous travel through China by train and the far North, including Baffin Island.
We want to thank the excellent staff at Sunrise Living, who were involved in her care and enabled her to die with dignity. Cremation has taken place, and there will be no service as per her request. What would mean most to Shirley would be to do a good, unexpected turn for someone in memory of her.
To a life well-lived, a heart well-loved, a soul forever remembered. We say farewell, and we love you, Shirley.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Janice Shearer
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Rosalie and Howard Wintle Hello Bill:
We were sorry to read the news that Shirley had died, but glad that her going was peaceful. We remember her as cheerful and hospitable. We arrived in Kingston in the fall of 1964, and were shortly after invited to have Christmas dinner with you, which we welcomed and enjoyed, especially Rosalie, since our firstborn, Adrian, was then all of three weeks old.
Thereafter, it was department parties (while they existed), and interactions at the Faculty
Women’s Club (now renamed in the interests of egality as Queen’s Women’s Association) which kept the friendship alive. Our last encounter was when we were in Langley for a family wedding (a somewhat curious affair, but that story can keep). You and Shirley took us out to lunch, and we chewed over times past.Our sympathies go out to you and also to your daughters (whom we remember as girls, not yet even young women!), and we hope that the aftermath of sadness and lack of company do not press too hard on you.
Warm regards
Rosalie and Howard
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Bill McLatchie Dear Bill,
Laureen and I were saddened to learn about Shirley in this morning’s Globe. Your lifelong relationship was a joy to behold, and must be a comfort to you at this time. I am sure that many in Kingston are thinking fondly of you this morning and revisiting precious memories.Best wishes and condolences to you and your family…..Bill
Barb, Mark and family
Ken and I were so saddened to read of the passing of your mom. We recall fondly our many adventures together and hope that your many memories of a life well lived with your mom will comfort you all.
Ken and Janice Shearer