MacLEOD, SHIRLEY JEAN - 1931-2010 - Shirley Jean MacLeod, of Moncton passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 with her family by her side. Born in Coburg, Ontario on February 21st, 1931; she was the daughter of the late Zibah and Vera (Grosjean) Harnden.
While still raising her family, Shirley returned to college in her early 40s, graduating at the top of her class in nursing. She worked for 20 years as a RNA at the Moncton Hospital. In her 50s, she met the love of her life, Toler and they enjoyed over 20 wonderful years together on one adventure or another. In her 60s, she learned to drive and was amused by her “If you don’t like the way I drive, stay off the sidewalk!” bumper sticker. She loved fun and would leave herself breathless with laughter. She had a deadpan humor, could toss a sharp, witty remark and had a twinkle of mischief in those blue eyes when something amused her or when she was to set to amuse. She had a love of life, a competitive spirit and was a wicked opponent in both crokinole and cribbage. Music, our family pets, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, holiday gatherings – especially Christmas - were most treasured.
A gentle soul, with a tender heart who shared her kindness with friends and strangers alike, Shirley was no shrinking violet. She had a bold spirit, formidable strength and an independent mind. She forged ahead through hardships and adversities in her life, always looking ahead. Shirley was a loving mother, admonishing us with safety advice always and imparting many good lessons to us along the way. She was wise and caring on so many levels and left us all better people through her own life lessons.
Though her last years were fraught with illness, she hung tough, ultimately having the courage and wisdom to make the choice to accept her impending death with grace and true grit. She is at peace now and will be forever lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving daughters Kathy Crockett of Moncton, Debbie McInnis of Moncton and Jennifer MacLeod of New Jersey, USA; grandchildren Matthew, Jason (Kim) and Emma; great grandchildren Julien, Connor and Michael; extended family Donald (Jan) Coates of Wolfville and Tim Coates (Nancy) of Amherst. Predeceased by her husband Toler Coates in 2002; sister Doris Harkness and brother Harold Harnden. Resting at Tuttle Bros. Funeral Home (171 Lutz St, Moncton) on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 from 6 to 9 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Tuttle Bros. Memorial Chapel on Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 am with Pastor Jeff Irving officiating. Internment will take place in the Amherst Cemetery in the spring. In memory of Shirley, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Parkinson's Foundation, the United Way of Greater Moncton and SENB Region or the S.P.C.A would be greatly appreciated by her family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Tuttle Bros. Funeral Home. (506) 857-8564. Online condolences may be made via www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca