Monday, July 10, 2023
Shirley, and her whole family, have always welcomed everyone into their family with open arms and hearts. Especially Shirley, who was always smiling and making sure you felt welcome in her home or at a family social event. I remember well in my teenage years, and into adulthood, how she gave my sister Ruth and I, a second home over Christmas’ and other special holidays, and welcomed us to the many fun filled family events. She truly was a Newfoundlander at heart I think. I’ll never forget one Christmas while we were opening presents, Don walking down the stairs of their home with his new snorkel, fins, mask and weight belt on, and how how hard we all laughed; with Shirley smiling and surveying the situation with the biggest smile. Shirley lives on through her family, and all the many positive memories she helped create in those that were lucky enough to be included in her extended family. I know I am a better person for having known my friend Chuck’s mother. And am thankful that I was lucky enough to be Chuck’s friend, and thus welcomed into his family by his mother, and the rest of his family that Shirley set the tone for.
