May 7, 1932 - Mar 2, 2018
Kate Shirley died peacefully at the age of 85 in Vernon Jubilee Hospital, surrounded by her children, early Friday March 2nd, 2018.
Kate was born in Hertfordshire England, May 7th, 1932. After training to be a teacher in England Kate moved to Canada in the 1950s. She was offered a position at Crofton House, private girl's school in Vancouver BC. Kate met her husband Hugh Shirley in Vancouver and they were married in 1962. Initially they settled in Quesnel BC, but Hugh was offered a position with BC Hydro in Vernon so they moved here and built their life.
Kate had a passion for nature, gardening, music and travel. She always preferred to be outdoors and was always up to a new challenge. Although Kate was afraid of the water, learned to swim, sail and canoe and did many trips on the water, the Bowron lakes and the Broken Islands to name a few. Kate hiked and travelled across Canada.
Kate loved music; she sang in the All Saints Choir for over 40 years and was a long term member of the Vernon Community Singers.
Kate was recently awarded with her 50 year pin in the Girl Guides of Canada. She worked closely with the guiding community for many years as music leader, and volunteered her time at hundreds of guiding events. Kate also received a Medal of Merit and Spirit of the Monashee Award during her long tern involvement in local guiding.
In recent years Kate was an active member of the Tillicum Trefoil Guild, and The Women's Institute Hall which she enjoyed immensely. Kate loved her pets and also spent many years walking her dogs at Mutrie Dog Park. There are many people whom she enjoyed her time with at the park.
Kate is predeceased by her husband Hugh Shirley and survived by her sister and husband, Bridget and John Edwards, her son and partner, Mike Shirley and Darlene Jackson, daughter and husband Judy Shirley and Greg Sears along with numerous nieces and nephews, their children, other relatives and her beloved dog Abby.
A funeral will be held for Kate at the All Saints Anglican Church Saturday April 7th, 2018 at 2 pm, reception to follow in the Church Hall.
We would like to thank Kate's family physician, Dr. Fred Dyck for his caring and help through the last few years, her caregivers, friends that visited Kate at home and the staff of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital who were there for my mother and the family during the last few difficult days. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Funeral arrangements made by the Bethel Funeral Chapel Tel: 250-542-1187