Shirley Anne Robb

Our hearts are broken and filled with sadness as our dearly beloved sister, aunt and friend left this life and entered her eternal home on Friday, April 3, 2020, after a courageous but short battle with cancer. Shirley’s life adventure began on February 15, 1941, in Red Deer, AB. She attended Lindsay Thurber Composite High School in Red Deer and then went on to work at Crown Life in Toronto, AGT in Red Deer, Sunshine Ski Village and then landed her “coloring” job at Shell. It was her love for skiing that led her to meet her husband Bill at a Calgary ski club. They married in 1980 and lived in Carstairs. Although she never had any children of her own, her numerous nieces and nephews were her children.  She was like a second mom to many.  She was adventurous, fun loving with a bubbly spirit and had the most unique and funky jewelry and style!  She wore clogs before clogs were a thing. We have many fond memories with her laughing until our cheeks hurt and tears streaming down our faces. She had an infectious giggle that will forever remain with us and anyone who was blessed to have crossed paths with her. Shirley was a ray of sunshine and cheer wherever she went.  She liked to volunteer at the library and even with the police to “look for thieves.” A thief at 2 a.m. didn’t scare her but if a bee buzzed around, now that’s a different story! She loved to read, crochet, knit, quilt, do puzzles, camp and hike.  The Bancroft United Church in Carstairs was her second family where she volunteered and was a member of the choir. She leaned on her faith and was at peace with dying. After her diagnosis she told us, “I’m not scared to die because I have my faith.” We are heartbroken that she had to face this alone but find comfort that she can now rest in peace.  Her life was full but never extravagant.  She led a simple life and left in a simple way. 

She is survived by sisters Janet of Toronto, Rita (Richard) of Calgary, Audrey (Gene) of Las Vegas, NV and brothers Richard (Lynne), Gary (Joyce) and Ron (Darlene) all of Red Deer. Twenty-one nieces and nephews and 21 great nieces and nephews. Her dear friends Agnes, Peggy, Mo, Olga and Pat. She was predeceased by her husband Bill, her parents Suey and Jennie Mah, brothers-in-law Barry Robb and Albert Lee, sister Betty, brother Ken and life long friend Miriam Pratt.  A celebration of Shirley’s life will follow in the coming months when it is safe to gather and comfort each other. Dear to Shirley’s heart was the women’s group at her church that worked with women’s and homeless shelters. In lieu of flowers we ask that you kindly make a donation to CBUC UCW care of the Bancroft United Church, 1202 Hammond Street, Carstairs AB T0M 0N0.