ALBERTA SHIRLEY O’DRISCOLL (Shirley)

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ALBERTA SHIRLEY O’DRISCOLL (Shirley)

(nee ARMSTRONG)

April 24, 1933 – September 21, 2023

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Shirley O’Driscoll at the age of 90, peacefully, on September, 21, 2023.



From a farm in southern Manitoba to both the east and west coasts, six provinces, as well as London, England, Shirley lived her life adventurously and energetically. A military wife, Shirley married Bert in 1955. She handled the frequent uprooting of her family to new locations with poise and enthusiasm, raising three sons and making scores of friends along the way.



When her boys were young, summers were reserved for the family farm where she was born and where her parents, Gilbert and Ada Armstrong, still lived. Shirley held precious memories of these prairie days with her sons and her parents, with trips to town, Sunday dinners, horseshoe competitions and baseball games.



Industrious and ambitious, Shirley was seldom without employment. She had a varied career, including teaching school, military service, administrative assistant at the Canadian High Commission in London, office manager at the Brandon Royal Canadian Legion, and numerous other occupations as the family moved from one military base to another.



Shirley had many interests throughout her life and approached each with characteristic zest. As a child she and her sister Faye loved exploring the family farm: the beginnings of a lasting interest in animals, flowers, and songbirds. In her twenties she was a talented bowler, earning many trophies. She was also an avid skier and golfer. She loved to travel, and especially enjoyed visits to Bert’s home in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland where she was warmly welcomed into the family and established life-long friendships.



Of the many things we will remember, we will cherish her as our mom. She was devoted and fiercely protective, and all the while, fun and unflappable. Singlehandedly, she organized and led countless outings and camping trips. Winter weekends were spent on the short slopes of riverbank ski clubs across the prairies. We owe to her our love of the mountains and outdoors.



Shirley loved being a grandmother, a role in which she excelled. Each of her grandchildren experienced her limitless capacity to find joy in the simplest of things. Whether sharing a story, ice cream or a tent, it was sometimes hard to tell who was having the most fun. Grandma was always there: loving, supportive and wise.



A person of deep faith, Shirley led a life of service to others, generous with her time and resources especially to those less fortunate. She was an active member of Trinity United Church, appreciative of fellowship on committees, choirs, and the United Church Women (UCW). She especially enjoyed singing, frequently treating her friends at the care home to a hymn, whether requested or not.



Shirley was our true matriarch, sharing her wisdom in subtle ways, usually by example, and always with love. Through her kindness and ever assuring presence, she was the loving example to us all to be the best that we can be. Words cannot describe how much we will miss her.



Predeceased by husband Patrick “Bert” in 1998, brother Charles Armstrong, sister Florence Faye Speers and brother-in-law Archie Speers. Forever remembered by sons Michael, Paul (Joanne), Peter (Suzan); grandchildren Erin (Billy Martens), Evan (Glenn), Billy, Dannan, and Quinlan; great-grandchildren Shirley and Florence; sister-in-law Shirley Armstrong; former daughters-in-law Lily O’Driscoll and Christine James; nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.



The family expresses their gratitude to Shirley Armstrong (sister-in-law) and Tim Speers (nephew) for their frequent visits and steadfast support. We are also grateful to Michael (son) for his devotion to and exceptional care of Shirley during the last several years.



Thank you to the dedicated staff of Valleyview Care Home for their friendship and wonderful care and to Dr. Theo Fourie, her physician for many years.



A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity United Church, Brandon, MB on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Trinity United Church, 1515 6th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6B3, would be gratefully received.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 30, 2023