Obituaries

 

Shirley Sullivan

Passed 04/18/2025

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Obituary For Shirley Sullivan

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Sullivan on April 18, 2025 at the age of 95. Mom will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. Our matriarch’s flame has sadly gone out.

Shirley was pre-deceased by her husband Bob, her first grandchild Sean, her sister Joyce (Tootsie), her brothers Tom and Joe and her best friend and sister Helen (Buzz).

Shirley is survived by her children Paula, Cathy, Gary (Margie), Peter (Mavis), Kim (Danny), Shaun (Linda) and Andrew (Brenda) and her grandchildren Daniel, Brendan, Amy, Josh (Nicki), Erin (Darren), Heather (Alex), Katherine (Krishan), Karen, Matt, Jacob (Trish), Geoff (Amy), Connor, Simone (Ash), Finn (Neesha), Jasmine (Greg), Patrick (Kaleigh) and Emily (Matthew). Shirley was Nana to 13 great grandchildren.

Mom was born in Halifax and lived most of her life in Herring Cove. Shirley married Bob in 1954 and they had 29 years together. Everyone who knew Mom understood her greatest joy was spending time with “her kids”. She had special memories of road trips with sister Buzz and Uncle Ron and many adventures with Aunt Gloria. Mom loved to travel and looked forward to her annual Florida trips.

Mom was a hard worker and had many jobs including selling Avon products, working as a buyer, model and sales person for a women’s clothing store and her last job working with computers at Statistics Canada. Mom loved learning new skills including sewing, knitting, toll painting, gardening, home canning of delicious jams, relish and homemade pickles. We all enjoyed Mom’s weekly pies and squares and cookies.

Mom was a voracious reader, she loved the CBC and her crossword puzzles. Mom loved to sing and dance and she enjoyed many styles of music. She loved listening to Frank Sinatra. Mom loved fashion and was meticulous about her appearance and grooming. She loved ironing and didn’t leave home without styling her hair.

Mom was our guiding light, she was the centre of the family and taught us the importance of connection and being grateful for our good fortune. Mom loved every family gathering especially her birthday celebrations.

For the last 2 years, Mom lived at Northwood Centre. The family is very grateful to the staff for their excellent care of Mom’s needs and their kind compassionate interactions with her. They called her “Mama”. Many staff came by in Mom’s final days to hold her hand and to say goodbye to “such a sweet lady”.

We loved our Mom and will treasure our memories. We were lucky to enjoy her positive company for so many years.

“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”.

A funeral service will be held on Friday April 25 at 10:30am at Stella Maris Parish at 6 Michael’s Avenue, Halifax followed by a reception at the Golden Age Social Club at 212 Herring Cove Road, Halifax.

Donations may be made in Mom’s memory to the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank.

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Condolences

  • 04/21/2025

    Willie Ryan

    Peter & Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to all family and friends. Know that you all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time in your lives.

  • 04/21/2025

    Paula Dempsey

    I always loved seeing Shirley. She defined kindness, beauty and elegance effortlessly. She will be truly missed!! Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Paula & Rick Dempsey

  • 04/21/2025

    alison strachan

    Kim and family - my deepest condolences to you all. I heard so many wonderful things about your mother when I worked with Kim. I'm thinking of you all as you move through this. - Alison Strachan

  • 04/21/2025

    Terry Stockall

    As I sit out and look at the sunrise on Madeira Beach we think of Shirley and the memories we had. Condolences to all - may she rest in peace. Terry & Emily

  • 04/21/2025

    Alayne Sullivan

    I remember bringing my two little girls years and years ago to visit Aunt Shirley for the first time. There she was with little gifts for them - one of my special memories of her. She was special to me. Condolences to all my cousins for their loss! Alayne Sullivan

  • 04/20/2025

    tom cooper

    VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT Shirley. She was a lovely person. Thinking of you in your hours of sorrow. God bless.

  • 04/20/2025

    Gina and Cliff Pelham

    Shirley was one of my very favorite people in Herring Cove!! She was not only so beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. Always such a lady. Condolence to get family. May she rest in eternal peace. Gina and Cliff Pelham

  • 04/20/2025

    Karen and Kern Young

  • 04/20/2025

    Karen Poulsen

    My deepest condolences to all the family. She was such a nice lady

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