Shirley Knowles Greenwood

December 4, 1927 - February 20, 2025

In loving memory ~

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Shirley Knowles Greenwood on February 20, 2025, in her home in Nanoose Bay at age 97.

Shirley was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Predeceased by her daughter Charlotte, son Gaythorne (Julia), brothers Charles and Jolyon, her parents Alec and Mabel Fitton, husbands Thomas Silvester in 1970 and Alexander Greenwood in 2012. Shirley is survived by her sisters Judith and Pauline, brother Christopher, daughters Amanda (Colin), Sara (Peter), stepchildren Nicholas (Linda), Jane, grandsons Max, William, granddaughters Holly, Abigail, Amy, great grandchildren Scout, Gracie Max Willow, Robin and nieces and nephews Felicity, Jeannette, Susan, Peter, Christopher, Felicity, Tim, Matthew and Alexandra.

Shirley was born on December 4, 1927 in Yorkshire England. Throughout her life, Shirley's charisma and wit, her glamour, beauty and wonderful creativity shone out. She was a very capable and 'get things done' person. She was also kind, loving and fun. There was literally never a dull moment when she was around! Shirley trained in art at The Slade, one of the most prestigious art schools in London and continued to be creative throughout her life. She lived most of her first marriage in Alderney, a tiny island off France in the Channel Isles with her first husband Tom and three children Gaythorne, Amanda and Sara. Shirley had an eye for fashion and ran a very successful clothing shop called 'Shirley's'. She always said she enjoyed every minute of every day at work. Shirley was also extremely musical and loved to play her grand piano, mostly jazz and songs from shows. Shirley and her second husband Alex moved to Vancouver Island more than 45 years ago and built their forever home in a beautiful area of Nanoose Bay. They never took the stunning scenery and wildlife for granted. Shirley had many interests: tennis, skiing when she was younger, later golf. She enjoyed making delicious teas for the cricket club and was a member of the Canadian Vintage Car Club with 'Sylvia' her silver Rolls Royce. Shirley and Alex were a very sociable couple and enjoyed entertaining. They were active in the Church where Shirley was a member of the Church choir. They also enjoyed travel. Shirley had a great interest in heraldry and became Board Social Director for the BC/Yukon Branch of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, helping to organise several national conferences. Shirley was appointed an Honorary Fellow of the RHSC in 2015 and a Full Fellow in 2023 for her long service and significant contributions. But the main thing to be remembered about Shirley was her joy for life and that she was a people person. She managed to be with us for an amazing 97 years, but it still feels too soon to lose her.

Shirley's family and friends wish to thank Comfort Keepers, Dr. Towers and Reverend Kirsten Evenden for their kindness and support. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Mary's Anglican Church 2600 Powder Point Road, Nanoose Bay, B.C., on Saturday March 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm, followed by an internment service at the cemetery at the Anglican Church of St. Peter, Quamichan, 5800 Church Road, North Cowichan, B.C. on Sunday March 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm.