July 10, 1917 - July 6, 2007 HALIFAX - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Shirley Arthur, in the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax. Born in Stellarton, she was the daughter of James and Mabel (MacDougall) Ross. As well as her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her sisters, Jean (Thorpe) and Lois (Tower), as well as her beloved husband, Don, to whom she was married for 65 years. She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie, Dartmouth; and Lynn, St. Petersburg, Florida. She was a member of St. Matthew's United Church and Harmony Chapter of the Eastern Star No. 25. After completing high school in New Glasgow, Shirley graduated from Business College and worked as a bookkeeper for the Bank of Nova Scotia in Stellarton. She became a full time homemaker after the birth of her first daughter. As well as Stellarton, she lived in Sydney and Halifax and spent many winters in Florida with her husband after his retirement. Shirley loved to bake and to garden. She was an avid reader and was interested in everything, especially politics and history. She was a very talented painter and spent many delightful hours at her easel. Music was another passion and she played the piano and organ. Her happiest times were when she was surrounded by her family. She was a very loyal and trustworthy friend to many over the years. Shirley lived for others and may her generous spirit rest in peace. She will indeed be missed. As she wished, there will be no visitation and no funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a private internment service led by Rev. John Roy for her and her late husband, Don, will take place Monday, July 16 at 11 a.m. in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens, Alma, Pictou Co. Donations in Shirley's memory may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of J.A. Snow Funeral Home. L'Envoi Poem lyrics of L'Envoi by Rudyard Kipling. When Earth's last picture is painted and the tubes are twisted and dried, When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died, We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it - lie down for an aeon or two, Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall put us to work anew! And those that were good shall be happy: they shall sit in a golden chair; They shall splash at a ten-league canvas with brushes of comets' hair; They shall find real saints to draw from - Magdalene, Peter, and Paul; They shall work for an age at a sitting and never be tired at all! And only the Maser shall praise us, and only the Master shall blame; And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame, But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star, Shall draw the Thing as he sees it for the God of Things as They Are!