Shirley Ehlers recently celebrated a century.
The Salmon Arm resident was born Shirley Schubert in Armstrong on June 3, 1923.
During the Second World War, Schubert trained in Kamloops to be an RN, graduating in 1946.
In 1947, Shirley and Hugh Ehlers of Salmon Arm were married. Three years later, they moved to Kamloops where they raised their three children. Hugh worked as a building contractor and Shirley as an RN at Royal Inland Hospital.
For many years, Shirley was the nursing supervisor for RIH.
Shirley volunteered for her church and other organizations. Summer cabins on Shuswap and Adams lakes were a source of fun with all the family.
After retiring, in 1970 Shirley and Hugh purchased the Enchanted Forest near Revelstoke. They operated it for nine years and travelled during holiday times.
Shuswap Lake Estates was their next move. There they stayed for 20 years, enjoying friends, golfing, square dancing, cross-country skiing and also curling in Salmon Arm.
In 1999, they returned to live in Salmon Arm. Shirley joined the building committee for the 5th Ave Seniors’ Activity Centre (now the 5th Avenue 50 Plus Centre), helping to fundraise and set up the new facility. Later she would become president of the centre’s board.
Last fall Shirley gave a speech at the 20th anniversary celebration of the 5th Avenue Seniors Centre.
Hugh passed away in 2008. Shirley subsequently moved into Shuswap Lodge, where she now resides and continues to be active. Shirley has three children, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Family and friends gathered on June 3 to celebrate Shirley on her 100th birthday.
- Submitted
Read more: Celebration of a decade
Read more: Salmon Arm’s Fifth Avenue Seniors Activity Centre celebrates 20th anniversary
newsroom@saobserver.net
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
Sign up for our newsletter to get Salmon Arm stories in your inbox every morning.