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Shirley Tucker died peacefully on July 3 at the age of 107. Born Shirley Aileen Walker in Yorkton, Saskatchewan on May 9, 1917, she grew up in Victoria; her father was the grandson of English settlers who arrived in Fort Victoria in 1853.
A graduate of Victoria High School, Shirley completed the two-year program at Victoria College. Shirley’s education then took her to the United States: she earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington and a master’s from Columbia University Teacher’s College in New York. A specialist in textiles, she taught home economics, serving as a faculty member at Oregon State University, UCLA and Ventura College, where she was the longtime department chairperson.
Shirley returned to Victoria in 1981. She moved back into the family home that she first occupied in 1932 and remained there for life. Shirley was active in local organizations, including the Victoria College alumni association, where she served as president in the mid-1980s. As a docent at Craigdarroch Castle, she engaged visitors from around the world with stories and photos of student life at the castle in the 1930s when Victoria College was based there. Other local affiliations include First Metropolitan United Church, The UVic alumni association, Goward House and the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club.
Throughout her long-life Shirley sustained many friendships, too numerous to be listed individually but each one of great importance to Shirley and to her family. Andrea Ochave, Emily Rivera, Alma Ochave and a small team of caregivers provided Shirley with devoted assistance and companionship in her home during recent years; they became members of her extended family. Shirley’s family is also grateful to those who provided the fine care she received in her last days at the Royal Jubilee Hospital palliative care unit and the Victoria Hospice.
Shirley was predeceased by her brother Bill and sister-in-law Catherine Walker as well as her beloved parents Evalyn and Walter Mitchell Walker. She is survived by a son, Brian Tucker of Los Angeles, nieces and nephews Susan Walker of Victoria; Anne Walker and Wendell Shaw of Corkums Island, Nova Scotia; Walter Walker of Salem, Massachusetts; Robert Walker of Billings, Montana and subsequent generations of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in Victoria at Broad View United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s Street, on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s honour can be made to the Victoria Hospice or another of the organizations mentioned above. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCalll Gardens
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Heather MacAndrew
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Malcolm Clarkson My family and I send our thoughts and prayers to family and friends particularly during this time and Shirley’s Celebration of life.
Eternal gratitude for Shirley’s friendshipMalcolm Wyntre-Clarkson
Friend
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Ross Harris Shirley and my mother Jessie Harris (deceased) were good friends. They met at lawn bowling. They went for dinner and bridge monthly.
I met Shirley at my mom’s house. She was a very accomplished lady.
Ross Harris
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Douglas MacComb Good Morning Brian,
Please accept our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers on your Mom’s passing. Your Mom was amazing in so many ways, at the forefront of Women’s issues, Education and Church…She is deeply missed by us, and we are sorry we didn’t get to see her more often; time, as it does seems to pass so quickly. We were all such close friends growing up in California, especially during the Holidays with the Nunes! So many memories!
We will never forget Shirley’s 100th Birthday Celebration!! What a joy it was to be up there in Victoria, to be there with You and your family. Carol and I are so thankful, and grateful to have been invited to share that special date and Celebration with Her! Thank you Brian!
It is a definite mix of joy and sadness in her passing…She lived an exceptional life during a time completely indescribable to most of us! Who can fathom all that happened during her long and incredible life!!
Peace and blessings be upon you Brian, her one and only Son, after her passing. May God give you a peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time of loss. We are here, and with you in Spirit as you mourn her loss Brian…We are sorry that we will be unable to attend her Memorial Service on Saturday, July 13th.
Thank you for letting us know…Shirley was an incredible Woman, and she loved you so very deeply!
Take care always Brian…
Love,
Carol and Doug MacComb
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Jovelyn G Anquillano Extend our condolences to the family of the late Shirley Tucker. She was very kind and understanding. One of amazing lady I served as a care giver. She has a good heart. It’s hard to say good bye but I’m happy she left peacefully surrounded with beautiful people that loved her.
Dear Susan (Walker) – We are away at the moment but Anne M. alerted me to the news of your dear Aunt Shirley’s death. What a long and accomplished life she had. I’m sure she had excellent care at the Victoria Hospice to make her passing as comfortable as possible. You have been a stellar niece, caregiver and great pal to Shirley for many years now.
We won’t be able to make it back for her memorial, but I’m sure it all will go very well.
Love,
Heather