Shirley D. Carter (nee Quittenton) was born in Toronto, Ontario on 15 January 1929 and died in Victoria, B.C. on 1 March 2018.
She was predeceased by her husband Brian and her daughter Shaune. She is survived by five children and eleven grandchildren.
Shirley had an amazing life: full of family, friends, and adventures. Mom was smart, energetic, athletic, and fiercely independent. She went to university in her 40s after sending her last child off to school and, being far ahead of her time, specialized in geriatric health and fitness.
Mom was happiest when travelling; she visited six continents, rode elephants, and saw lions, bears, and the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Shirley was a terrific Scrabble player, a passable Bridge partner, and did her daily crosswords to stay sharp. She supported the local opera and performing arts. But most of all, our mother was the glue that held the family together.
She was so lucky to be surrounded and held by her family as she departed on her next great adventure. Happy trails, Mom. There will be no service at this time. Shirley asked her friends to remember her with the following verse:
Keep my memory with you,
For memories never die;
I will be there with you, When you look across the sky.
I will be there in the clouds,
In the birds that fill the air;
In the beauty of a fragrant rose, You will find my memory there.
You will feel me in the tenderness, Of a baby's gentle touch;
You will hear me if you listen,
In the twilight's gentle hush. When your hearts are heavy,
And you feel that you are alone; Just reach down deep inside of you,
For your heart is now my home.
I will always be with you,
I will never go away;
For I will live in your hearts, Forever and a day.