It is with heavy hearts that the family of Shirley Sutherland announces her peaceful passing at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Monday, September 12, 2022.

Born in Trail, B.C. to Stanley and Olive Mawdsley, she grew up in the community with sister Dawn and brothers Jack and Allan until, in 1949, she left for Victoria to pursue her education in nursing at Royal Jubilee Hospital.  Upon her graduation in 1951, she met and married the love of her life, Hugh Sutherland. They married in Trail in 1952 and returned to Victoria to build a new home and welcome their two children, Jeannie and Murray.

Shirley had a zest for life enjoying time spent with family and her many friends.  She loved to travel (with a wee nudge from Hugh) with siblings and close friends.  As a keen student of violin, Shirley had a passion for classical music and especially loved playing in string quartets with violins made by Hugh.  She spent many happy hours reading, playing bridge, mastering crossword puzzles and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays.  Shirley particularly enjoyed the opportunity to gather friends or family for social teas, lunches or dinners.  She had an infectious sense of humour and took great joy in being teased by the grand and great-grandchildren of whom she was enormously proud.  Grandma took pleasure in attending dance recitals, baseball games and welcoming her four great-grandchildren.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Hugh, their son Murray and best friend and sister, Dawn Ostrom. She is survived by daughter Jeannie Repsch (Harry), grandchildren Meghan Truong (Allan), Erin Littlejohn (Sean Killins) and David Repsch (Danielle). She leaves beloved great-grandchildren Kinley and Rowan Truong and Nathan and Joanna Repsch. She will be missed by her brothers Jack Mawdsley (Joanne) and Allan Mawdsley (Jo), numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws Ian Sutherland, Myrna Wooster and Marge Sutherland, as well as many close and treasured friends.

A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria B.C., on Monday, September 26, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Gordon Thurston officiating. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations being made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation, 2166 Mt. Newton X Road, Saanichton, B.C., V8M 2B2. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at SPH for their compassionate care.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Lois Mason

    Thinking of you all and remembering fondly the many visits I had with your dear Mom at my parents, John and Jean Pepper, while they gathered with fellow musicians to play chamber music throughout the afternoon or evening! Your parents were lovely people and my parents treasured their friendship over many years. They are missed but remembered with great love.

  • Wendy Newton

    What a lovely tribute to a lovely lady.

    My thoughts are with you, Jeannie and Family, at this very sad time.

    Please know that I am thinking of all of you with love.

  • Lesley Pike

    What a special lady! She will be missed by her many friends and family.

  • Rita Balaam

    My condolences to Jeannie and her family. Thank you for this beautiful obituary. It gives a loving description of the warm person Shirley was. It was a privilege to get to know her a little in my short visits with her on my walks with Jeannie.

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