February 28, 1945 – March 24, 2013
Shirlee passed away suddenly at home in Esquimalt, BC. She will be dearly missed by her family, colleagues and many friends. Shirlee was predeceased by her husband, John Gaul; her parents, Murdock and Mary McLean and her brothers, Norman McLean and John McLean. Shirlee leaves behind her only child, Alison Gaul; her son-in-law, Andrew Martin and her greatest joy, her two grandchildren, Grace and Oliver Martin. She is also survived and missed by brothers, Donald McLean and wife, MaryAnne, Garry McLean and wife Donna and their children, Perry and Darren and their families. Also, Lila Bryson, Ileen Mackenzie, Elsie (McLean) Cooper, numerous cousins and John McLean’s wife, Julie and her children, Fiona and Julie-Faye. Friends were a huge part of Shirlee’s life and she would most certainly have recognized Robert and Diana Hall and their children, Kevin Hall and wife, Vicki and David Hall and wife, Elizabeth and their children as relatives. In addition to that, Shirlee was fortunate to have the Martins surround her with love. Her many long time friends and her colleagues at Alpha Home Care must also be mentioned as she considered each of them a part of her extended family.
Born and educated in Saskatchewan, Shirlee’s generous spirit led her to a distinguished career in Healthcare. First as a Registered Nurse and then for many years as Administrator at Alpha Home Care. She was passionate about helping others and was devoted to her career. As an adult, she moved to British Columbia with husband, John Gaul where they had their only child, Ali. During the rare lightening storms we see in Victoria, Shirlee would drive to the ocean to watch the sky because it reminded her of home. That was when she told many wonderful tales of growing up on the farm with her brothers. She loved to share these stories late into the night. She was extraordinarily intelligent and a voracious reader. She was well versed on many subjects and loved to debate history, politics and current events. Her happiest moments were spent with her two beloved grandchildren, Grace and Oliver.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Friday, April 5th, 2013, at 3:30 pm at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
14 Responses
Shirlee was a really special lady she was the best boss anyone could of ever had. I’m really going to miss her.
Shirlee was bigger than life on most days but I think that how she defined her life was by her family, Allison, Andy, Oliver, Grace, her brothers, her childhood and extended family from both sides. She spoke of all of u daily as we worked in the Alpha office. She recounted memories of all of u with laughter, and warm thoughts. But most of all she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was loved by all of u. Loved unconditionally.
For me she will always be at Alpha, making her mid afternoon popcorn, sitting at the table and telling me to take a break, as she set a bowl out for her and I.
I will miss her
I was deeply saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. I had the good fortune of working alongside Shirley in healthcare. She had a fabulous sense of humor and could always find something to laugh about.
Alison, your mother was a wonderful person and I will always remember her fondly.
The next lightening storm here off the beach here in Papamoa, I will look to the skies and think of you Shirley.
Allison, sorry to hear the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person. I had enjoyed working with her as a Long Term Care Billing Clerk. She always had a smile on her face and made everyone feel good.
Joanne Mouner
Ali, I am so sorry to learn about your Mom’s passing. I see you in her in so many ways.. generous spirit, many friends, distinguished career, passionate about helping others, sharing stories and much more. I never had the privilege of meeting your Mom but I feel like I know a little bit more about her and you now. Your friend and colleague, Mimi Davis
I was so sad to hear of Shirlee’s sudden passing and send sincere condolences to her family and friends. I never did meet Shirlee in person but had many long conversations with her on the phone as an RN Supervisor at Beacon Community Services. She was a kind, warm and compassionate person with an awesome sense of humor. She definitely had her clients and employees close to her heart. I am thinking of you during this most difficult time – Shirlee will be sorely missed. God Bless
Rob Halliday, RN
i was so sorry to see that your dear mother had passed away. i remember her as a kind and very friendly lady when i met her years ago when you alison, and jeanette were school mates.
my thoughts are with you all at this time.
To Ali and family, and the McLeans, Gary & Donna, Don & Maryann, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I am sorry we can not be there with you, but we are thinking of you. Take good care and please stay in touch.
Your family in Saskatchewan,
Colleen, Ryan & Thomas
Aunt Ileen Mackenzie
Aunt Lila Bryson
I was so sad when Linda told me what happened. Ali , your Mom was one of my favorite people! Our whole family will miss her so much. Shirlee was just the nicest person. We lost her too soon but will be remembered forever! Love Bobbi
Ali, Andy, Grace & Ollie
My heart goes out to all of you! We will miss her beautiful smile and truly generous spirit! She was one classy lady and we will miss her at all our family gatherings! She was a sister to us Martin Girls in every way! I will definitely miss sharing my birthdays with her! I was re-reading the birthday card she gave me this year and I will always cherish what it said “Life can’t be counted in candles or measured in years that have flown….. It’s counted in kindnesses, close friends and loved ones, and in all the sweet blessings we’ve known! She will be in all our hearts forever!
Love Linda and Doug