Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye to a beautiful soul, who passed away on Oct 30th, 2025, surrounded by love. 

Born on January 25, 1941, in St. Anthony, NL, a tiny baby girl weighing four pounds came in the world – the beloved daughter to Blanche (Winsor) and Cecil Short. As the coastal ice had not yet broken, it was four months before her father could finally meet her.  She grew up in Tilt Cove, NL, where she spent the first 34 years of her life. Shirley attended Tilt Cove Amalgamated School, worked at Northern Stores and cherished many friendships and activities during the busy mining days. 

In 1975, she and her four children moved to La Scie, NL where she worked with National Sea Products for several years. Those were known as “just the five of us” years – filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments. After her children finished school and began their own journeys, Shirley moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia where she spent 36 wonderful years. For the last 15 years, she shared a wonderful home with her granddaughter Holly at Cameron Estates in Sydney, where they created an incredible bond.   She worked for AD &D Realty until her retirement. Though she later moved to Fort McMurray in 2023 to be closer to her children and grandchildren, a part of her heart always remained in Sydney. 

In Fort McMurray, Shirley made her home at Rotary House Lodge where she became part of a warm and caring community. She made dear friends, joined in activities and events, and could often be found cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays and Edmonton Oilers. 

Shirley was a devoted mom, proud nanny, sister, aunt and a loyal friend.  Her warm smile and kindness touched everyone she met. No matter how difficult life became, she faced every challenge with courage and grace, always putting family first.  Her love was fierce, steady and unconditional. Her greatest joy in life was her family - the reason behind every smile and every sacrifice. She loved them beyond words, and her love will live forever in their hearts.

Mom had a special place in her hearts for animals, especially the many dogs and cats that were part of our family over the years. She would have adopted every stray cat if she could.   Her daily Facebook scrolls often ended with her smiling at photos of kittens and cats. 

She leaves behind a family who adored her and has countless memories that will never fade. Her love, laughter and gentle spirit will live on through every story told and every hug given in her memory.

Shirley is survived by her children Debbie (Paul), Christine (Henry), Robert (Wilma), Kimberley (Brian); grandchildren Holly (Nicole), Brandi (Steven), and Cody; her precious great-grandchildren who called her Great Nanny are Landon, Laynah and CJ; her siblings Hilda, Nancy, Butch (Wendy), as well as extended family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Blanche and Cecil, and precious cat, Maddie.  

A private service for family will be held at Robert Anderson Funeral Home in Fort McMurray. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Fort McMurray SPCA.

**A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong**