Obituary of Shirley Elizabeth Matthews

75, Halifax. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Shirley passed away peacefully on October 12, 2011, in the loving surroundings of her home and her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Halifax, she was the eldest daughter of the late Raymond and Doris (Petrie) Harris. She is survived by husband of 58 years, the love of her life, Stan; daughters, Donna (David) Swalm, Toronto; Linda, Halifax; Sharron (Mark) Martell, Halifax, and son, Tony (Joyce), Halifax, daughter-in-law, Valerie (Jody Walker), Halifax and sister/daughter Debra Manning, East Lawrencetown; brothers, Raymond (Nancy) Harris, British Columbia, Jack (Janice) Harris, Dartmouth and Edward (Debbie) Harris, Sackville, grandchildren Ashley, Josh, Laura, Sarah, Mitchell and Makayla; great-grandson, Riley; step granddaughter, Chelsea; step great-granddaughter, Emma and many neices and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her son, Michael and brother-in-law, John Manning.Shirley raised her family in the beautiful community of Purcell's Cove where she lived for the past 50 plus years. She worked for the Saraguay Club for over 25 years, was an active member of the CWL and St. John the Baptist Church and did volunteer work with IWK Kermesse and Hope Cottage. She was a long-standing member of the Purcell's Cove Social Club where she spent many a Saturday night gliding across the floor in the arms of her lifelong partner. She was an excellent cook and some of her greatest joys were preparing and sharing dinners with her family and friends in her lovely home in Purcell's Cove. She was also an avid bowler who looked forward to her weekly bowling league and her bowling uddies". The family would like to extend a heartfely thank you to the Victorian Order of Nurses and the Palliative Care Unit" VG Site QEII for their care amd compassion during this difficult time. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home 149 Herring Cove Rd. Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday October 14. A memorial service will be held in St. Agnes Church 6903 Mumford Rd. Halifax at 10:30a.m. Saturday October 15. Family flowers only. In lieu of flower donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Church Hope Cottage or charity of choice."