5 August 1945 – 15 May 2010
It is with immense sadness that we must announce the sudden loss of our beloved Mom, Mother in law, Grandma, sister, Aunt, and friend Shirley Vanderkemp.
After a tragically brief 2 month battle with lymphoma Shirley died peacefully on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon while surrounded by her loving son and daughters at the Victoria General Hospital.
She will be profoundly missed by her children; Rod Vanderkemp of Surrey, BC, Teresa (Mark) Svensson of Victoria, BC, and Shauna (George) Stotts of Courtenay, BC. Her absence will also be keenly felt by her grandchildren; Kerry Vanderkemp, Malcolm Svensson, & Becca Stotts.
She is survived by her two older sisters; Margaret (Murray) Shackel of Merville, BC, Winnie Smith of Oliver, BC and by her older brother Cameron (Shirley) Smith of Abbotsford, BC. Nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues are also left to mourn her sudden death.
She was a wonderful mother, loving all of her children unconditionally & supporting them without judgments through all of life’s ups & downs. She was an exceptionally perfect Grandma to her 3 grandkids, loving them tremendously & spoiling them just the right amount.
Shirley was only 64 years young & had recently taken an early retirement after working for 32 years as a very dedicated employee of Zellers. While most will remember her smiling face from the Courtenay store she had spent the last few years working in the jewelry department at the Campbell River store.
Our Mom was the kindest, sweetest lady who lived a very simple life. After her husband, Leo, died in 2003 she sold her house in Merville and moved to her dream condo on the ocean in Willow Point, Campbell River. She loved nothing more than to sit on her patio along with her two feline friends, Tasha & Queequeg, with a hot cup of tea & a good novel, enjoying her spectacular view.
Although no service has been planned Shirley’s family hope that friends, acquaintances, & loved ones will take the time to share any special memories or stories they have about Shirley in the condolences section below. We would also like to encourage you to visit the memorial page our family has set up, “In loving memory of Shirley Vanderkemp”, at the www.bccancerfoundation.com website. For those who wish to do so, a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation in honour of Shirley’s life can be made via this memorial page.
“Just like me, they long to be – close to you…”
27 Responses
Looking at some old pictures of the family and saw pictures of Aunt Shirley and Uncle Leo. Brings back a lot of memories. Just makes me miss her more. She was just too young for this. My thoughts are with you and yours. Love you – Peggy
I was so sorry to hear of your Mum’s passing. When I would see her in Zellers she was always so pleasant , cheerful, and helpful! From talking to my friends, there are many of us that will miss her. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
To Shauna, Theresa and Rod –
It is still very hard to believe that Aunt Shirley is gone. When I was told that she was sick, a numb disbelieving feeling came over me and it was very hard to concentrate on anything but Aunt Shirley and you.
On the day Aunt Shirley died, it was a sunny afternoon with a soft warm breeze. A lot of tears were shed but then the sound of her laughter could be heard in my mind which made me smile.
Going through pictures and the shots of family weddings, Aunt Shirley is always smiling and laughing. Looking at that I can still hear her infectious laugh and hear her comments as if it was yesterday.
Aunt Shirley was a big support to me when mom, her sister Margaret, was so sick last year. She was always there giving her support which was greatly needed and appreciated. I know that no words can help with the loss that you are feeling right now Shauna, Terry and Rod but know that Doug, the kids and I are always here if there is anything that we can do, say or help with.
I know that her grandchildren were very important to her and that she loved and spoiled them which is the right of every loving grandmother.
Aunt Shirley has touched so many people in her lifetime through her work, her family and socially. She was a greatly respected lady and especially a very supportive and loving aunt. I will miss her greatly. There will always be a part missing from our lives without her.
Love you guys. Aunt Shirley, I will always love you and will miss you.
Peggy
I first met shirley when I started a zellers in courtenay. Then we both started working at the campbell river store. She was a wonderfull friend and lady I was very sorry to hear that she so sick. I will miss her . She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.My deepest condolences to her family
We enjoyed the times when Leo, Shirley and the kids would camp here at Bates Beach with us. They were fun and helpful to have around and we have missed seeing you all. We are very sorry for your loss and send our thoughts to all of you. Please drop down as we would all love to see you.
i loved her.i helped raise her taking her with me all thos early years. will never wnderstant GODS plan for each of us. my love teressa rod and my dear shauna, auntwinnifred.
It is with a heavy heart I forward my condolences on the loss of yet another parent of Rod, Teresa, and Shauna. Shirley will be remembered as a hard working,loving and lovable woman.