Shirley passed away on April 22, 2022 at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Wilf, after 71 years of marriage, and will be sadly missed by her three children Peter (Jane), Jane Warlow, and Lisa Fleming (David), and their grandchildren Emily, Hannah, Matthew, Nicholas, Tessa and Kate.
Shirley was born in Malpeque, Prince Edward Island. She attended Mt. Allison University, and then McGill University where she graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy in 1946. Shirley and Wilf were married on May 11, 1948 in Edmonton and moved to Toronto to work and raise their family. She worked at the Donwood Institute for the latter part of her career and was particularly proud of the program of relaxation and fitness therapy that she developed while working there. They also loved spending time at their cottage on Lake of Bays, in Muskoka. In 1991, Wilf and Shirley packed up and began their next adventure by moving to Victoria, British Columbia.
Shirley particularly enjoyed homemaking, cooking and entertaining friends for dinner. She was perhaps best known for making the most delicious pies. Her hobbies included jewelry making, beading, needlework, flower arranging, dancing, and singing in her church choir.
Our family would like to acknowledge and thank the physicians, nurses, support workers, and staff at Sunrise Senior Living for the wonderful, and compassionate care Shirley received for the last 4 years.
A small Memorial Service for Shirley will be planned for the early Fall and details will be announced through Cordova Bay United Church.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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MacKay Bonnie
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Kathy Szechy Hi Lisa, Jane and Peter,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Our memories of Shirley are of a warm, caring and hospitable person who was a very gracious neighbor and thoughtful friend, including to our parents. Our families have wonderful memories of her from Leaside and from Muskoka. What a full and amazing life she lead as an accomplished professional, wife, mother and grandmother! May she rest peacefully reunited with her beloved Wilf.
Sending love and hugs,
Kathy and Dennis Szechy
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Diana Boal Lisa, I will always remember your Mom as the beautiful woman who’s home smelled so wonderfully of fresh baked bread. Our condolences to you and your family.
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Maria (Szechy) Barnes Dear Lisa, Peter, Jane and Families,
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Sutherland’s passing a few weeks ago. There is some comfort in knowing that after not having been well of late, she is now at peace in a much better place, dancing with Mr. Sutherland in heaven. I know my brother Dennis’ and my Mom, and Mr. Fowler are welcoming her too. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Sutherland’s kind and friendly hospitality as our next door neighbour at Lake of Bays, always ready with a smile…her wonderful baking (I still have her legendary banana muffin recipe which even made it’s way to Hungary)…her beautiful jewelry. It was always heartwarming to hear how our parents, along with Mr. and Mrs. Fowler, enjoyed their evenings together while us kids (some younger than others…) had our own fun.
On behalf of both my Dad (Dennis Szechy Sr) and myself, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, and know that she lives on in all of our hearts.
Maria (Szechy) Barnes
Dave and I just found out today about Shirley’s passing. We are both very saddened to hear and send our late condolences to Peter, Jane, Lisa and their families. Dave remembers travelling to Toronto to visit as a young man and Shirley always made him feel very welcome. He also enjoyed her wonderful meals and homemade baking. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.