CANN, SHIRLEY E. - Shirley E. Cann, 85, of Yarmouth and formerly of Brenton, Yarmouth Co., passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2011. Born October 28, 1925, in Moncton, New Brunswick, she was a daughter of the late George and Edith (Steeves) Ricker. After attending Moncton High School, Shirley went to Acadia University for two years after which she attended London Bible Institute in London, Ontario. Shirley came to Yarmouth in 1950 as the director of the town mission where she worked for four years. Shirley then went to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and did special studies in Christian Education. After returning to the Atlantic Provinces she taught teacher training courses in many churches while working part time for “La Bonne Nouvelle” book shop in Moncton. She became known for traveling with “Book Parties” throughout the provinces after which she became Christian Education Director at Hillside Baptist Church in Moncton. In 1980 Shirley returned to Yarmouth for an outreach program for the Temple Church following which she taught for five years at Living Waters Christian Academy. Shirley married Emory Cann in 1990 and they spent 12 great years together before Emory past away in 2002. Shirley always had a smile for everyone and will be remembered as a deeply caring person. Shirley is survived by her three step children, Janice (Earl) Bullerwell, Brazil Lake; Ralph (Cheryl) Cann, St. Johns Newfoundland; and Faith (Garnet) Purdy, Yarmouth; and many nieces and nephews, as well as several step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Shirley was predeceased by her sisters, Evelyn Penny of Halifax; Marian Saunders of Charlottetown.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Temple Baptist Church, Yarmouth, where funeral service will be held Friday, August 26 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Robert Baker and Rev. Amy Corey officiating. Interment will follow in Brazil lake Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to Samaritans Purse “Turn on the Tap” or the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be sent to: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guest book on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net