
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Heal (nee Turner) on December 29, 2024, at the age of 89, with her family by her side. She is survived by Gerry, her devoted husband of 67 years, her children Wayne (Meredith) and Anne Nickel (Gordon), her beloved grandchildren: Brianne, Evan, Garrett, William and Danielle, and her Sister-in-law Ruth Turner. She was sadly predeceased by her brother Dave.
Born and raised in Victoria, Shirley attended Margaret Jenkins and Oak Bay High School and was an accomplished pianist in her youth. She later helped her husband to run a very successful business.
Shirley lived a life dedicated to her family and as a wonderful cook, loved hosting gatherings of family or her children’s friends for various feasts celebrating holidays and gatherings of all kinds.
She spent many happy hours teaching her grandchildren how to bake, knit, play piano, garden and cheered them on at various sport and school events.
Shirley and Gerry loved to travel, each summer they would load up their 5th wheel trailer and explore various destinations across Canada and the northern United States including Alaska, always ending their annual travels in the Okanagan to visit with their grandchildren.
Shirley will be dearly missed by all those that knew her. Many thanks to Dr. How and more recently to the staff at Amica on the Gorge who cared for her over the years.
At Shirley’s request, there will be no service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Louise Mason
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Roberta Hesselgrave Dear Gerry and Family,
I was so sad to read of Shirley’s death in her obituary in the newspaper. I will always fondly remember our over-the-fence conversations over our 30+ years as backyard neighbours. Shirley would always ask about my mom, whose name was also Shirley, and we would trade news of children and grand-children, the state of our gardens and the world in general. She was such a lovely person, and I will miss our neighborly conversations. The passing of a family matriarch is a momentous loss, and my heart goes out to your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Roberta
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Margaret Mason My heartfelt condolences, Gerry and family, on this most difficult of life’s passages. Thinking of you all, Margaret Mason (Louise (Heal) Mason’s daughter.
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Jodi Noble Our heartfelt condolences to Gerry and the family. Shirley was a steadfast friend to June Noble over many years! June always appreciated her calls checking in on her wellbeing. Over 80 plus years of friendship, how blessed were they!
Her kind spirit was always so uplifting. A life well lived.Jodi and Russ Noble
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Billy Doig My heart felt condolences to my dear friend Wayne and all his family at this sad time. My prayers and thoughts are with you ❤️
So sorry Gerry to read of the death of Shirley. A life time of memories will sustain you and your family. Be kind to yourselves.