Shirley Ann Nixon (Snidal)
October 10, 1956 – August 9, 2019.
For most of her adult life, Shirley would be up early, starting on a pot of coffee, with CBC on the radio…but not today. With her loving husband at her side, Shirley passed peacefully, in the early dawn of a summer morning.
Shirley’s journey began in the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a few months later the family returned to Winnipeg where she grew up. Many years later her journey changed course. Days before her 55th birthday, Shirley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She continued on, without a return ticket, alas none yet available. On this journey with her was her husband of 35 years Craig and their children Lauren (Quinn), Kristen (Bobby) and Sean (Chelsea).
She met this new challenge with optimism, perseverance and courage.
From a young age, Shirley loved children and caring for people. This led her to nursing and in 1982 she graduated as an RN from St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg. Shirley then joined her soon to be husband Craig in Regina, where she continued her passion working as a pediatric nurse at the Regina General Hospital.
The next part of her journey was becoming a mother. During summers at the beach in Gimli, Shirley taught the kids to become strong swimmers at a young age. Along the way she gave them the skills they needed to stay afloat, not just in the water, but in life, when faced with its inevitable challenges.
Shirley and Craig’s children attended elementary school in Sherwood Park, Winnipeg and Calgary, and Shirley was always an avid volunteer in their classrooms. This led to her working in the school with ESL students and providing care, encouragement and support to all the students.
Shirley’s grandchildren Dechlan, Ainsley and Leo will be inspired by their Amma’s legacy of optimism, having fun, and her overflowing love and care for people, especially children.
Shirley is survived by her brothers David (Lindy), Dan (Diane), Peter (Karen) and Mark (Stella). She was loved equally by her siblings-in-law Brad (Carol), Kerri (Graham) and Kathy.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents Carmen and Dan Snidal, her oldest brother James and Craig’s parents, Miriam and John Nixon.
She is fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Nicole, James, David, Christine, Mark, Tori, Leslie, Claire, Brenna, Kenneth, Meredith and great niece Willa.
Best friends the Kennedys, Cathi, Kim, Scott (Lisa) and Kaitlin (Jason) and the grandchildren Jack, Stella and Winslow, will hold Shirley in their hearts.
Shirley’s journey has come to an end, but her laughter and optimism will be embraced as we drink our coffee on the beach, listen to the CBC and choose to find the joy in every day.
Thanks to Carol and all her caregivers at Bethany Seniors as well as Donna, Caroline and all her companions from Granddaughters.
Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Shirley Ann Nixon August 9th 2019..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Décès pour la Ville: Airdrie, Province: Alberta