Shirley Ruth Mason (Morgan)
July 13th, 2024
November 1934 – July 2024
Survived by her daughter Sandra (Doug Adlem) and granddaughter Brooke Morgan Gillespie. Predeceased by her parents Cyril and Ruth Morgan (Jones) and husband George.
Shirley lived her entire life in Vancouver. Living in the family home in Dunbar for 26 years and moving 2 kilometers away when she married George, her husband of 51 years. Here she remained for 59 years. Shirley’s final move was to Braddan Private Hospital.
Shirley attended Lord Kitchener and Lord Byng Secondary Schools and the University of British Columbia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (Geography) in 1956, followed by a year of teachers’ training.
While many women were expected to be homemakers, Shirley had a different idea. She returned to her teaching career as a substitute teacher for a few years, followed by a return to UBC to obtain Counseling credentials. In 1973 Shirley began work in the Burnaby School District at Edmonds Junior Secondary School. She thoroughly enjoyed the staff and students at this school. Several years later she moved to Burnaby Central Secondary School as the Counseling department head. Shirley retired in 1994 to enjoy traveling with George, whether cruising on their sailboat or travelling overseas.
Retirement life was very busy for Shirley. She gave her time generously to many. Most importantly was spending time with her cherished granddaughter, Brooke.
After George passed, Shirley continued to pursue her love of travel, gardening, spending time with her beloved dog Toto.
Shirley was a volunteer with her church, (Kerrisdale Presbyterian) and delivered food and household items to the Downtown Eastside. She was a tireless worker giving so much, yet never wanted to be in the limelight or receive any accolades.
Life became challenging with a diagnosis of Frontal Lobal Dementia. Thanks to Jackie Fabillaran for providing care which allowed Shirley to live in the comfort of her own home for as long as possible. Shirley moved to Braddan Private Hospital in December 2022. The family thanks the amazing staff for the care they provided to Shirley. In particular, to Imelda and Kevin who worked directly with Shirley. However, the entire team on the 3rd floor was fabulous.
Messages:
My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Sandra. I am sure the last few years have been hard for all of you - especially Shirley, as she was so fiercely independent all the time I knew her. I have such fond memories of both your parents, but especially your mother in this last phase of her long and productive life. She was a force to be reckoned with and great role model. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and appreciated forthrightness in others, which is possibly why we got on so well. I met you all when Shirley hired me to work with you and Doug on some renovations to your then new-to-you home in the early 2000s. I subsequently worked with your parents in their home on several projects over the years and am happy to say they became more than just clients. They were cherished friends. My thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve your loss.
My sincerest condolences to Shirley’s family. I’m sure that she is happy that she has “graduated” to the next stage. I know that she was frustrated with losing her independence as she was so proud of the fact that she could stay in her own home for as long as she did. I will miss her wicked sense of humour - she always spoke her mind! We were friends through Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church and always enjoyed working together on many projects over the years. I particularly enjoyed our wv32w7 conversations when she came to the knitting group. Shirley grew up in the church and it was a very important part of her life. I know there are many of us who would have loved to honour her life at a service and I am so sorry that we can’t do that. She will definitely be missed. Go in peace Shirley and have the rest that you so rightly deserve.