Shirley Mortimer
March 1, 1929 - June 1, 2011
Tribute
Daughter of Thomas William and Violet Mabel Squires, beloved mother and much loved member of the community left us suddenly June 1, 2011. Shirley is survived by her sons Art (Sue) and Rick; daughter Ruth; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and is fondly remembered by the Grace family. She was predeceased by her daughter Christine Grace and our father Hugh Mortimer. Shirley’s first job was at Woodward’s Department Store, she soon left that to go into training as a psychiatric nurse at Essondale. Mom met our Dad while he was driving bus on that route and they soon married and began a family. As the tender age of forty-one Shirley decided to go back to school and spent the next four years earning her Bachelor’s Degree of Psychology. She became a Probation Officer until she took early retirement in 1988. Shirley kept busy as a volunteer until she became a member of the Board of Parole from 1998 to 2002. She then became active with BSOSS in senior peer counselling and did a term as Chairman of the Board. Mom was given the Local Hero Award by the City of Burnaby for her volunteer work in community policing in 2004. Shirley settled down a little after that, content with studying creative writing and taking various other courses to keep her mind active as her body slowed down. Mom was a prolific reader with a bright and engaging personality and thirst for knowledge that could never be slaked. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 22 between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Royal City Curling Club, 75 East 6th Avenue, New Westminster. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences to the family may be made to www.wiebeandjeskefh.com.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Donna Einish
Relation: Wife of Grandson Travis Mortimer
I met Shirley Mortimer one Year on a holiday season. She welcomed her grandson Travis, her great granddaughter Livia and I (Donna) with open arms of love and happiness into her home. I will never forget that one evening we spent with her and seeing her enjoy the company of her great grandchild Livia. She was a wonderful woman full of spark. The one thing I did wish was for her to meet her other great grandchild Craig, but now she is with God and watching over both of them.
May she rest in peace for she has lived a life full of wonders and joy.
From: Joan Souper
Relation: Through friends the Grace Family
Shirley will be sorely missed by her family and friends in Canada and England.
From: Beth Anderson
Relation: Childhood friend of daughter, Ruth
I was very young when I was friends with Ruth and her family. I remember Shirley (Mrs. Mortimer) as always kind and giving. I was over for many sleepovers and flapjacks in the morning. : )
When I was about 4, before I was able to swim, I remember stepping off the very last step in their apartment pool and going under water and Mrs. Mortimer jumped in and saved me! Lucky she was the Lifeguard that day!
Ruth and I lost touch but I wish you and your family deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow.
From: Beth Anderson
Relation: Childhood friend of daughter, Ruth
I was very young when I was friends with Ruth and her family. I remember Shirley (Mrs. Mortimer) as always kind and giving. I was over for many sleepovers and flapjacks in the morning. : )
When I was about 4, before I was able to swim, I remember stepping off the very last step in their apartment pool and going under water and Mrs. Mortimer jumped in and saved me! Lucky she was the Lifeguard that day!
Ruth and I lost touch but I wish you and your family deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow.
From: Phyllis Fox
Relation: Friend
Our family moved into an apartment directly over the Mortimers in Middlegate several years ago. Our daughter Kelli was a good friend of Ruth’s. After moving from the apartment we lost track of each other but Shirley and I got reaquainted at Hugh’s memorial and have since met for lunch. I was away from May 26 until June 1 and who should be on my answering machine on my return but a message from Shirley. What an active, vibrant woman – she will be missed. Such a shock to hear of her passing. My deepest sympathy to the family. .
From: Susan Mortimer
Relation: friend and once mother-in-law
Heartfelt sympathy for all who loved her and will miss her, as I also do. Shirley extended to me an uncommon friendship and hospitality at first meeting and that never changed even as my life and relationship to family did. I am so grateful for a long chat we had by phone prior to her departure, she was increasingly cheerful, as was I, as we shared and ‘caught up’ after a time too long to recount. I am a life that she has touched forever; I hope I made a difference to her as well. I expect to see her yet again.
From: Shelly French (nee Griffett)
Relation: Wonderful family friend
Shirley (and Huey) have been a wonderful part of our lives for the past 50 years and our sincere condolences go out to Ruth and the boys. Since I was a child Shirley and Huey were always known to us as Shoey and Hurley and now a big part of our lives have moved on to another peaceful place. Notwithstanding the last few years have been contact by email correspondence and telephone from Australia, Phil and I have felt surrounded with love from Shirley. Shirley made the trip to Calgary when mom (Dianne Griffett) passed away in 1995 and, in her usual way, provided immense comfort to our entire family. Unfortunately we cannot be at the Celebration of her Life but we will continue to celebrate Shirley’s life in our thoughts and prayers.
From: Susan L. Mortimer
Relation: friend
Shirley’s kindness and willing friendship to me will never be forgotten. She extended uncommon hospitality to me, a stranger when when we first met, going out of her way, beyond measure. We had many wonderful chats over the years; she had such a bright and active mind, always interested in new learning. It was an honor to have been her daughter-in-law for a time. She used to say that she lived in God’s “pocket”; I am certain that she is even closer now. Those of us who loved her, have that heavenly reunion to look forward to.
From: Danni Favaro
Relation: Friend of Ruth
I was searching the CSO, when I noticed Ruth and her mother’s name. After a quick search I realized that her mother had just passed away. I only met her mother briefly, yet she left an impression of a caring yet strong willed woman. I would have attended her celebration of life but I unfortunately missed it. I did contact her mother many years ago and she said that Ruth was fine and very happy. Her mother was surprised that I had remembered her name and that I could locate her. Ruth on the other hand -as I also read- vanished into thin air… 25 years actually! I can only quote a lyric from a Jo Dee Messina song, ” it’s a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight…I miss you but I’m doing alright… 🙂 604 438 4138
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
July 22, 2011
Beginning at 12:00pm
Location:
Royal City Curling Club
75 East 6th Avenue
New Westminster, BC Canada
75 East 6th Avenue
New Westminster, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
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Heart & Stroke Foundation
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