Shirley Winifred Mellor, patron of the arts and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 92 on Monday, January 25, 2021.
Shirley was born in Duncan, B.C., Canada, graduated first in her class in home economics at the University of British Columbia, married Harold Pinchin (d. 2015) and had four children; Marty, Janice, Eric and Allen. She went on to marry Max Kaplan and adopt his daughter Amy. Together they ran Max’s Art Supplies in downtown Westport until his passing in 1983, at which time she took over the store best known for featuring gallery style exhibits of local artists in its front window. She found love once again with local artist Gordon Mellor (d. 2001), father to Gail, Lynn, and Mark.
Shirley had a big family and lovingly added people to it throughout the years. She was a staple of the Westport art scene, a talented painter herself, and created a home for artists at Max’s. She was known for her bright smile, dry wit, culinary talents, and terrific parties.
Shirley is predeceased by her brother Peter Eric Olsen (d. 2021), son Eric (d. 2007), and granddaughter Lizzie (d. 2016). She is survived by her sister Jan Pallister, sons Martin Pinchin and Allen Pinchin, daughters Janice Thies and Amy Kaplan and grandchildren Dylan Pinchin, Christopher Pinchin, Jessica Yarr Pinchin, Anneliese Steel, and Keenan Pinchin, along with great-grandchildren Sierra Long, Mason Pinchin, Jesse Byrd, Gratien Pinchin, Oliver Yarr Pinchin, and Eloise Pinchin. She is dearly missed and deeply loved.
A Celebration of Life for both Shirley and Mr. Peter Olsen will be held in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Saturday, July 09, 2022, at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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