Shirley Caroline SHAVER

Shirley Caroline Shaver passed away after a brief illness on August 6, 2019 at Trillium Lodge Hospice near Qualicum Beach, B.C Canada with her beloved husband Al at her side.  She was born on April 29, 1927 in Kenora, Ontario to Mary and Lavern Parker. She was schooled in Kenora and Medicine Hat, Alberta then began working at a local bank. Al had recently completed his broadcast schooling and was working at a radio station. Al opened an account at the bank and became a regular customer, finally asking Shirley out on a date. They were married on January 12, 1952.

That fall, they started their family when their son Wally was born. He was followed by son Jim, daughter Judy, son Gary, and daughter Susan; all born in Edmonton, Alberta

The family moved frequently following Al's broadcasting career. Shirley managed the multiple moves and five active children as they moved around Canada from Edmonton to Montreal then Windsor and finally Toronto. In 1967 Al was offered the position as the radio broadcaster for the NHL expansion team, the Minnesota North Stars. This was a big move for the family and would not have been possible without Shirley's support. "After moving four years in a row, I finally told mom just to keep the boxes packed because we'd probably be moving again," said Wally after the move to Windsor, "the move to Minnesota would be our last for a long time and mom was very grateful for that."

They settled in a lovely home in Minnetonka, which soon became the hub for gatherings of friends and sports colleagues and holiday dinners with the family. Shirley was an accomplished cook and gracious host. As her grandchildren were born she became a devoted grandmother hosting sleepovers and birthday parties.

The couple retired to Qualicum Beach, BC in 1996. They enjoyed beautiful Vancouver Island, extensive travels and visits back to Minnesota.

Shirley is survived by Al, her husband of 67 years, Sons Wally (Connie), Jim (Cheryl) and Gary (Michaelyn) and daughters, Judy (Dave) Molneau and Sue (Doug) Bergemann, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren with one more due in December; brothers Brian (Marg) Parker, Bob (Rita) Parker, and sister Joyce Parker. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Laverne and Dorothy, brother Don and infant brother Harold, and sister-in-law Shirley Parker.

A private family gathering will be held by the Shaver children in the East. Locally, the family will respect Shirley’s wish for simplicity, and ask only that you remember her with love.

The family expresses their most sincere thanks to the VIHA home care nurses, the home support team, and the Trillium Lodge Hospice staff. You are all angels.