Shirley Anne Nelson
1932-2021
Nelson, Shirley Anne- 88, Truro, NS, passed away peacefully
on Monday January 11, 2021, at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro.
Shirley was born in Linden, Nova Scotia, she actually grew up in the
lovely town of Truro. Shirley was the daughter of the late Burley and
Annie (McFadden) Works, and a sister to Hazel Murray (Vernon) and
brother to Frank Works (Marion). Shirley loved to talk about her
childhood and especially times in Linden, NS and Pointe de Chene, NB.
She loved her visits with all her Family living in those areas.
Shirley graduated from The Business College in Truro, NS and went on
to marry her first love Gerald (Gerry) Nelson and
later had two beautiful children Debbie and Stanley. Shirley stayed
home to raise her children and went back to work when they were almost
teenagers. She spent many years as the Insurance Adjuster at The Wally
Keddy Real Estate Company. She loved raising her children, following
her husband Gerry’s horse racing career, being able to work, spending
time at the old cottage on Shortt’s Lake, Bowling, and especially
being a very active member of The First United Church.
Gerry and Shirley moved to California in 1977 to follow Gerry’s love
of training and racing the horses. She actually worked in the office
of The Joe O’Brien stable the whole time they were with the Stable.
She developed great friendships with Joe and Ilene O’Brien, Betty and
David Harding and all the trainers and grooms. They were a very close
knit group traveling all over the US together to all the big tracks.
Shirley and Gerry decided to move on from California to
Florida in 1982. This became their new home until they moved back to
Nova Scotia in 2017. Shirley worked as Office Manager for the Archie
McNeil stable as well as the Ron Waples stable where Gerry was doing
the training and driving. Again Shirley held close friendships with
all members of the stable. Once Ronnie moved on, Shirley became the
new Clerk of Course at Pompano Park Raceway where she stayed until her
retirement days. During their stay in Florida, Shirley stayed right by
Gerry’s side again traveling around to all the tracks in North East
US. Shirley’s outside interest was being very busy with The United
Methodist Church in Margate, Fl. Her Faith was a great part of her
life.
Prior to Gerry leaving the horses for good
they moved back to the area settling at Shortt’s Lake in Brookfield
for the summers. They both enjoyed this time as it gave them an
opportunity to catch up with Friends and Relatives from the past. They
became members of the Knox United Church, Brookfield, and could not
have asked for a more tight knit community.
When they
finally left Florida for good they returned to Truro and spent their
last days together at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro. Gerry
passed away on January 11, 2019. Shirley was comforted by visits from
family and also the wonderful staff at the facility.
Shirley is survived by daughter, Debbie; daughter in law, Beverley;
two wonderful grandchildren, Josh and Tori; brother Frank (Marion)
Works; and the Vernon Murray Family of Antigonish.
Besides her Parents, she was predeceased by her husband,
Gerry; son, Stan; sister, Hazel.
No visitation by family
request. A graveside service will take place at a later date in Bible
Hill Cemetery, 41 Warren Drive, Bible Hill. Arrangements are under the
direction of the Mattatall~Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street,
Truro. If so desired, donations in Shirley’s memory may be
made to a charity of choice. Private messages of condolence may be
sent to the family by viewing Shirley’s obituary on-line and
selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Shirley Anne Nelson 19322021..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia