PICTOU - Shirley Mills, 67, of Pictou, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on September 20, 2009, in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in Pictou, she was a daughter of the late Bertram and Rita (Clarke) Cheverie. She was also predeceased by twin girls, Deborah Anne and Belinda Delina in infancy.
As a result of Deborah and Belinda’s deaths, Shirley became involved in an international research project that succeeded in finding a solution to the Rh factor in pregnancies, thus preventing the deaths of many. After graduating from the Aberdeen School of Nursing Class of ‘63, Shirley worked at the Pictou hospital before accepting a nursing position at Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital in Sheet Harbour in 1967, where she worked and lived for 30 years before retiring in 1997. While at the hospital in Sheet Harbour, she upgraded her schooling by taking CSR training through Purdue University. Later in her career she trained to work in the hospital pharmacy, where she spent the last 10 years of her official retirement.
However, she continued to provide nursing care as a personal home care nurse until recently. Shirley enjoyed spending her summers at the Gulf Shore Camping Park, near Pugwash. While in Pugwash, she was often seen “helping the girls at the Northumberland Links kitchen”.
She is survived by her husband, Robert, Pictou; son, John (Barb), Pugwash; step-grandchildren, Vicki and Paul, both of Pugwash; and Robbie (Shelley) Glenholme; step-great-grandchild, Daniel; brothers: William, Trenton, Ont; Thomas, Pictou; Roy, River John.
Visitation will be held 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral service will take place 2 p.m. Wednesday in St. James Anglican Church, Pictou, with Rev. Gordon Neish and Archdeacon Peter Armstrong officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.
Family flowers only. Donations in her memory may be made to the Lung Association.