In loving memory of

Shirley Christina Isabel Garry

February 13, 1946 to September 28, 2021

Shirley was born in Edmonton on February 13, 1946 to Violet and Stanley Allan MacNaughton. She was their first child and the first grandchild for both the Maine’s and MacNaughton’s. She was the light of her parents and grandparents lives.

Her brother Stanley was born when Shirley was 4 years old and they grew up together in the family home along with many friends in the neighbourhood. She often spoke of her neighbours and friends and all of the adventures they had as kids. She met her best friend Donna when they were 5 years old and they remained friends throughout their lives.

Shirley had 3 children; Kevin (Teresa), Trevor (Pat) and Leanne (Ron). Her greatest treasures were her grandchildren. She would do absolutely anything for them and her entire life centered around her family. She was our Matriarch and her family traditions will live on for many years to come.

Grandma (or GMA as she was lovingly called) coordinated and facilitated all of our family holidays. Her and Papa would often have grandchildren over for sleep overs, going to the movies, road trips and camping. She made sure we always got together before Christmas for a Christmas Lights tour on the bus and hot chocolate at the Legislature. We have an annual Christmas party with crafts, decorations, food and gift exchange. Our holidays are filled with memories of her and Papa and we will continue these traditions for our children and grandchildren.

Shirley met Oliver in 1973 and they spent 44 years together. She said he was the love of her life. They had their challenges with blended families, running a business and many bumps along the way. Through it all they remained committed to our family and both of them would drop anything at a moments notice to help any one of us.

Shirley was such as an amazing person and was just kind to everyone. She will be remembered by so many people because she had such a gift of making you feel comfortable, heard and genuinely loved. I will miss our talks so much. I always knew my Mom would listen no matter what and I think all of her grandchildren experienced this as well. You always knew you could call your Grandma or just get a hug when you needed one.

She would comfort us as kids and later, her grandchildren many times, by wrapping us up in her arms and listing every person who loved us. Some of us had struggles and challenges that made life seem so impossible some times. Gma could sense it and pull you in tight and tell you how loved you were.

Her and Papa would go for coffee every morning and many, many people would drop in to chat with them. Everyone just knew where to find them and it would sometimes be a revolving door of people coming in to have coffee and talk to them.

She could pick you up when you were down by just being around her. Our Mom was all about fun and living life, nothing stopped her – not cancer, not a stroke, nothing. She was hell-bent on enjoying all the moments and doing all the things.

To all of Shirley’s cousins, friends and family she loved you all dearly and treasured your friendship. She would want nothing less than all of us living our best lives and never backing down from a challenge or an opportunity to try something new or go on an adventure! She will be with us always, cheering us on.

We will be celebrating Shirley’s life on Saturday, October 9.

Graveside Service

Saturday, October 9 from 3pm to 4pm

St.Albert Cemetery

25116 Poundmaker Road, St.Albert

Celebration of Life

Saturday, October 9 from 4:30pm to 7pm

Kensington Community Hall

12130 134B Avenue, Edmonton