Obituary of Shirley McAdam

Shirley passed away peacefully at her home in Toronto, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, March 4, 2017 in her 85th year. Shirley was the dearly loved mother of John (Leigh), Jenny (Martin), David, and the indulgent grandmother of Matthew and Kristen. Shirley was preceded in death by her cherished husband Jack, her parents, two sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her adored sister-in-law Gertie, Jack's only surviving sibling Bill and his wife Sylvia, along with many nieces and nephews. Born in 1932, the youngest child of William McKeown and Gertrude Beddington, Shirley was raised in Salmon Arm, BC with her four siblings. She attended the Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing in Victoria (graduated May, 1954) and then McGill University. In her youth, Shirley was an accomplished soprano; classical music, opera and theatre remained a lifelong passion. She met Jack at McGill University in 1955 and married six months later. Marriage started off as an adventure with a move to Chibougamau where she and Jack lived for a period of time in a mining tent. They spent 15 years in the north raising children as well as forming deep and lasting friendships. In the early 70s they moved to Ontario and settled in Toronto in 1983. Shirley and Jack traveled extensively, an activity which she continued after Jack's passing 27 years ago. Her first solo trip was a cruise to Morocco and The Gambia. A sense of adventure never left her. In her mid-70s she tried sea kayaking in the Maritimes. Shirley thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife. She especially loved her life and all the friends she made over 32 years in Ramsden Park in Toronto. After Jack died, Shirley was able to enjoy the companionship of Henry Cooperstock for many years. Shirley was never much of a cook. You knew dinner was ready when the smoke detector went off as there were always better things to do – usually outside. Dogs and pets were a big part of her life. She loved their companionship (even on the bed) and their ability to bring people into your life that you would not have otherwise met. Always the nurse, she taught her kids compassion and caring for others. Finally, you should get on with it . . . as she did until her last few days. Shirley will be sorrowfully missed. Fortunately, she is leaving her family and friends with many happy memories. The family wishes to thank Andrea, Alyssa, Jessica and Quinn for the extraordinarily kind and loving support for Shirley at home in her final months, and ensuring she lived each day to the fullest. They had some great outings. We also wish to thank Dr. Buchman and Dr. Goldman from The Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care for their kind and concerned attention to her comfort at home. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) for a service on Wednesday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m. In remembrance, an act of kindness in her memory would be fitting. If you wish, a memorial donation may be made to the CHIRS - Community Head Injury Resource Services or a charity of your choice. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.