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 matriach’s flame has sadly gone out.

Mom 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).

Mom 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 (Venezia), 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 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 at Statistics Canada. Mom loved learning new skills including her driver’s license at age 54, 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 and good times with her. We were lucky to enjoy her 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 11: 30am at Stella Maris Parish (formerly St Michael’s Church on 6 St Michael’s Avenue, Halifax followed by a reception at Emmanuel Church Hall on 322 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

  • 04/26/2025

    Jill

    Sorry for loss to all family she was a lovely lady

  • 04/25/2025

    Matt Dempsey

    Sending heartfelt condolences and affection to the entire Sullivan family. Shirley Sullivan was a beautiful, kind and classy lady. The Sullivan home was a welcoming place with no shortage of humour. Shirley and Bob had there own large family and, quite often, many other neighbourhood kids visiting. I remember her love of decorating. Her home was always beautiful. I remember seeing her amazing Christmas decorations for the first time and, at the time, I didn't know Christmas globes (or bulbs) could be so big! I remember Shirley dancing to CJCH radio in her kitchen while she sang and did housework. I didn't realize parent's could like brand new music when I was 10-years-old. I thought they only liked CFDR. She was light and fun. She treated all us kids with dignity, no matter who we were. Bless her today and may all those happy memories provide comfort. Sincerely, Matt Dempsey

  • 04/24/2025

    Gordon

    Our deepest sympathy to all the family Gordon and MonaLee Power

  • 04/23/2025

    Cynthia Fox

    Gary & Family; condolences on the passing of your Mom. Keep the great memories close and share often with friends and family. Thinking of you all. Cynthia Fox

  • 04/23/2025

    Margo Dooks

    Gary and Family Sincere condolences from the Walsh Family. We have spent many happy times with your Mom. Trips to Florida. Parties along with sing-songs. She was very special to all of us. A beautiful person inside and out. Let the music play.......................... Mary Jane. Margo. Gary. Pauline and Patrick

  • 04/22/2025

    Nancy Feetham

    To the Sullivan family : I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing .It is hard to close that chapter of life but the many fine memories will stay forever .So many memories a few of my favourite our ; So many delicious meals shared with Shirley and family ( sloppy joes and pies ),old fashion parties with sing a longs at the homestead or with Shirley ,Uncle Ron ,Buzzie and gang around the campfires in Queensland ,my first trip and airplane ride with Shirley and Kim in 1984 out to visit Cathy in BC (still one of my favourite trips ever ) and many many more .Thanks Shirley for the wonderful memories and may you fly with the angels Nancy Feetham

  • 04/22/2025

    Michael P Spearns

    2025-04-22 To all members of Shirley's family ; Your Mom was certainly one of the most beautiful and gentle souls that brought joy and peace to so many people. I always enjoyed coming to her kitchen and never leaving without being fed a snack or two before Gary , Stephen Dempsey and I planned out our bicycle road trips. I take solace in knowing that she is reunited with Bob and all family members in Heaven. God's best Michael " Mikey " SPEARNS Bedford, NS

  • 04/21/2025

    Helen Shaw

    Our sincere condolences to the family. Shirley was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Growing up in Herring Cove, I would often hear her name mentioned, always in the most admiring way. Everybody loved her. Whenever I saw her, she always greeted me warmly and stopped to say hello. She was a lovely, lovely lady. May you all be comforted by the wonderful memories you have of your mother. Sincerely, Helen and Hunter Shaw

  • 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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