May 6, 1935 - Oct 21, 2017
Shirley Hamilton
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Shirley Hamilton after losing a 3-year battle with lung cancer.
She was predeceased by her Mother and Father Fred and Alice Hess. She leaves behind brothers Ron and Wayne, children Suellen (Jeff), Cord (Elaine) and Troy (Rob), grandchildren Amanda (Brian), Trisha (Elijah) and Emma and great grandchildren, Madison and Aiden.
Shirley was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved to the Alberni Valley with her family at the age of 11 where she spent the majority of her life out at Sproat Lake. After leaving school she worked at the Plywood sawmill. She married Cecil Hamilton in 1955 and they eventually settled on Dickson Drive where they led a very active social life.
Shirley had natural abilities and a keen sense of detail and was often busy sewing, knitting, crocheting, homemaking, gardening and entertaining. We still remember the flower display in the front flower bed.
Shirley and Cecil parted ways in 1976 and the next chapter of a more private life began. After moving to Victoria for a few years she returned to The Alberni Valley for the remainder of her years.
She had a love of family and was a dutiful, daughter, mother and grandmother. She selflessly and graciously attended to both her parents through disease and old age. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Shirley spent the remainder of her last six years in a mobile home in Creeks Edge Mobile Home Park, which she loved. She was a reserved, humble and patient person. She was stoic and strong-willed and these character traits served her well in her final three years of life. With failing health and limited mobility she managed to maintain her independence and her spotless home.
The last two months of her life were spent at Ty Watson House where she received excellent care by a caring group of professionals and volunteers. Shirley was very grateful and appreciative of her caregivers.
We will miss her and her regular phone calls greatly.
Everyone is welcome to attend a Celebration of Life, which will be held on November 12th, 2017 at Cedar Wood Lodge, 5895 River Rd, in Port Alberni, starting at 2 pm.