April 17, 1946 – March 11, 2011. Passed peacefully away in the presence of her loving family at the Palliative Care Unit, Dr. L.A. Miller Centre, aged 64 years.
Shirley was born in St. John’s, NL, the eldest of four children born to Joseph and Verna (nee Durdle) Russell, but spent endless summers growing up and enjoying her family in Brooklyn and Bonavista, BB. She dearly loved her family and was a faithful and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her strength was an inspiration. She grew up to do what she loved most: teaching, singing, practicing her spiritual faith, and hand-crafting beautiful gifts to share with family and friends, with whom she loved to spend time. After graduating from Memorial University she began her teaching career on the island of Newfoundland then spent 27 years teaching in Labrador West before retiring. In 2006 she moved to Paradise, NL to be closer to her family and many friends.
Leaving with love and treasured memories her daughter: Michèle and husband Chris Sampson, Elliot Lake, ON and son: Joseph (Joe), Liverpool, NS. Her four precious grandchildren she loved and adored: Noah and Isaiah Sampson; Piper and Loren Dubé. Leaving with a lifetime of cherished memories her brother: Kevin (wife Sandra) Russell, Orleans, ON; sister: Marilyn (husband John) Nugent, Swan Hills, AB; and brother: Roy (wife Sherry Wall) Russell, Paradise, NL, who cared for and loved her dearly with his humor and endless support “You bring me smiles and laughter, dear brother.” Aunt Shirley loved her niece and nephews: Jackie, Stuart, Brad, JJ, Russell, Mark, Justin and their families. She was loved dearly by Aunt Rita (Durdle), her many relatives and special cousin Ethel Payne. Also, her dear friend and “sister by choice” Evelyn Pritchett (Auntie Ev), her friend for over forty years.
Shirley was blessed with friendship and love from her family and friends, especially Archdeacon Francis and Gertie Buckle, her extended NLTA family of Labrador, and the CBS NLTA Centennial Choir. Kind souls, many friends and much support touched her life. Her family thanks all of them for their love and support during her illness. The family also wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to the Doctors and staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the Dr. L.A. Miller Centre and the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Centre at the Health Science Centre. You have touched our hearts.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents: Joseph Allen (August 7, 1994, aged 80) and Verna Grace (October 16, 1972, aged 52) Russell.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Rd., St. John’s, NL. Visitation on Sunday, March 13, 2011 and Monday, March 14, 2011 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Funeral service to be held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from the Parish of the Ascension, 58 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl, with interment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Rd, St. John’s. In lieu of flowers, if you so choose, please kindly make a donation in Shirley’s memory to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation. To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guest book, please visit www.carnells.com.
“We will lay us down in peace
and take our rest”