It is with great sadness that her family announces the passing of Shirley Anne Power of Pictou, Nova Scotia, in her 75th year. Shirley passed away peacefully on August 21 at the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit, with her loving husband Ralph by her side and surrounded by her extended family. Shirley is already missed by her devoted husband of 54 years, Ralph Power.
She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis (Tully) MacDonald (Charles) of Halifax; and her brother Lyle, her sister-in-law, Helen MacDougall and her aunt, Elinor (Patrick) Murphy, all of Pictou. Several cousins also survive her.
Born in Pictou to Daniel and Anna (MacCarthy) MacDougall, Shirley is predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Gladys (Michael) Melvin, Helen (Walter) Clancy; and her brother, Peter MacDougall.
Growing up in Halifax, Shirley attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School before returning to Pictou as an adolescent. She graduated from Stella Maris Convent and remained an active member of the Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church congregation throughout her life. Possessed of a strong work ethic and connection to her community, Shirley worked in Halifax for several years before eventually returning home to Pictou. She became office manager of the Pictou Medical Clinic, running it with good humour and a steady hand, before retiring in 1995. Her one-liners were legendary. She never hesitated to offer her sharp observations about the latest local or family goings-on. Politics sparked many discussions with Shirley. She was a staunch member of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, took an active role in the Pictou West Liberal Association and was honoured by the party for her years of dedicated service. Blessed with a strong point-of-view and a desire to get things done, Shirley shared her passions and her talents. She opened her home and kitchen, ready with freezies for the little ones and her fish chowder for the adults. She always wanted to do her part, keeping you in her prayers, and played a central role in the lives of so many friends and family. She was a beloved aunt and family matriarch to three generations of nieces and nephews, always ready to receive and feed them. She cherished her family. Her home with Ralph was a gathering place to reunite friends and family from near and far. She was “Aunt Shirley” to 13 nieces and nephews who adored her, 25 great nieces and nephews and 27 great great nieces and nephews who fondly anticipated their visits.
The family wishes to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Father Peter MacDonald, Drs. Randy Burrill and Gerry Farrell and the nurses of the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital for the loving and compassionate care provided to Shirley.
Visitation will be held 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Thursday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral Mass will take place 11 a.m. Friday from Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou, with Father Peter MacDonald officiating. A reception will immediately follow.
Family flowers only please. Donations in her memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit Foundation of the Aberdeen Hospital.