Shirley passed away at Victoria Hospice on October 11, 2015 at the age of 68. She was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on May 2, 1947 to the late Harold and Rowena (Langdon) Siteman. She is survived by brother, Ronald (Anne Marie) Siteman; nephew, John Siteman; nieces, Christine Siteman, Angela Demings (Darren); great-nieces, Kassidy and Bailey Demings; great-nephew, Cole Siteman all of Dartmouth; Aunt June Stone of Newfoundland and cousins in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Howard Siteman.
Shirley graduated from the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing in 1968 and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Saint Vincent University, in Bedford Nova Scotia in 1975. She received a Certificate of University Studies in Theology (Cum Laude) in 1991, followed by a Master of Arts Pastoral Studies in 1993, both from the University of Ottawa/Saint Paul University. She worked at the Nova Scotia Hospital for over twenty years and held positions as head nurse and supervisor. Shirley came to Vancouver Island in 1993 and worked a few different positions, ending up as a Manager at Eric Martin. Shirley was a leader in the Girl Guides of Canada for many years, in Dartmouth (Guide name Tweety) and in Victoria. She received her 50 year pin for active service this last spring. She was devoted member of St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Dartmouth and St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Cole Harbour. Her spiritual life in Victoria was centered at St. Mary of the Incarnation, in Metchosin, but her reach was widespread through the many activities she was involved with including Cursillo, Education for Ministry, Prayer Shawl Ministry and Safe Church training. She was generously involved with many families and friends over the years, including her own family and was always interested in their activities and accomplishments. Forever missed by family and good friend, Gerry Webber, on the East Coast and too many to count on the West Coast.
“Well done, you good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21
Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 17th at St. Mary of the Incarnation, 4125 Metchosin Road, Victoria, BC V9C 3Z6. Those of you who knew Shirley, know she liked colour, so please come and celebrate with as much colour as you can.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
26 Responses
My sincere condolences to the family. I worked as a Security Guard at Nova Scotia Hospital – Nurses Residence, and Shirley always had a smile on her face, even while she was very busy. She was truly loved & will be sorely missed.
Patricia Young
Eastwood Manor, Nova Scotia
Reading the other condolences here makes me wish I had known Shirley better. Obviously a devoted friend and nurse who made (and kept) many friends over her professional and personal lives. I only knew Shirley very briefly through the Cursillo movement, a Christian group where she was very active for many years and most recently as its Lay Director in the Diocese of BC. She was always friendly, willing to help and very capable of doing so in many areas, and full of grace. She certainly will be missed and left us too soon with much more to give.
To Shirley’s family and friends,
I was very saddened to read of Shirley’s death today online. My mother (Joan Kaiser, RN) worked with Shirley at the NS Hospital in Dartmouth years ago. It was during that time that she became a very good and trusted friend to my entire family. Shirley (and often with her mother Rowena, or another friend in tow) would visit us at our cottages in Queensland and Hubbards during the summer. She loved the fresh caught mackerel and my mother’s famous strawberry shortcake and we loved being able to share it with her. She loved to tease and be teased; her sense of humour and spirit was infectious!
When my brother was first diagnosed, Shirley became a third parent in many ways – helping my parents navigate the new first-hand waters of mental health issues in teens and acting as a support system for me, the other teen “left behind” during those turbulent years. How many times did she take me swimming, or out for lunch and dinner or out shopping? Too many to count.
Her kindness was always above and beyond. I know that this was just who Shirley was. Ours was not the only family she adopted and supported. I suspect there have been many.
When I moved to BC, I literally ran into Shirley in Vancouver at meetings in a hotel in Richmond. It was great catching up with her and sharing a drink as we reminisced about the Nova Scotia memories we shared.
She played an important role in my life and I am thankful I knew her. She was an incredible friend to my mother. Tonight, or this weekend, I will take a few moments and do something special in her honour. I wish I could be there at her service – I would wear something bright and spunky, just like Shirley! But it’s simply too far away for me to get to on such short notice. Instead I leave you with these words, inspired by an Inuit legend –
“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
A look at the stars, the touch of a hand . . . you are wished whatever comforts you. You are wished what brings peace to your heart.
With much love,
(Sarah) Greer Kaiser
Terrace, BC
My condolences to Shirley’s family and to all those that knew her well. I first met Shirley about 30 years ago at church in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. Our family began a great relationship with her especially my mom who were both like two peas in a pod. Our family went on quite a few family outings and always invited Shirley. Whether it was dinner out or camping somewhere or going for a swim she always came with a smile and a hug. And I especially remember those painted finger nails that were so beautiful and colorful. I was so fascinated by her nails.
Shirley will be missed. I am so glad to have known her.
Love Carolyn and Currie
For Ron Siteman: Ron, I’m sincerely sorry to read of Shirley’s passing. I didn’t know that she had moved West. It sounds as though she found true peace. Sending my sincere sympathy to you and your family. Karen (Fitzpatrick) Byers
My heartfelt condolences to Shirley’s family as you grieve her death. I hope the precious memories will bring you some comfort and peace at this difficult time. Shirley will always be remembered for her huge heart, her great stories, her colorful and vibrant clothing and most distinctive walk. And I am sure in her lifetime she sold the most Girl Guide cookies. Good job all around Tweety!!! 🙂
To the family of Shirley Siteman, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences. As fellow members of St. Alban’s Church, Dartmouth our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May it help to know that friends share in your sorrow. Shirley touched many people’s lives. Her smile and pleasant nature brought joy to many individuals. May the many precious memories you have bring you comfort and peace.
Avard, Pearl and Saundra Barker
On behalf of The Salvation Army Sunset Lodge Community Advisory Board we offer our deepest condolences to Shirley’s family.
Her years of dedicated service to our home, residents and board have been greatly appreciated and she will be missed.
Matthew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Praying God’s Blessing on you today,
Captain’s Randy & Lisa Randell
The Salvation Army Sunset Lodge
Community Advisory Board
My condolences to all of Shirley’s family . I was a fellow student (one year behind) and coworker at the Nova Scotia Hospital . I remember well Shirley’s smiling face , lively personality and warmth. I am sorry for your loss .
Lorna Khan RN
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley’s death.. Shirley was a classmate of mine @ Nova Scotia Hospital . Shirley was always ready to volunteer, help organize and was a wonderful asset to our class. She will be truly missed..our next reunion will not be the same without her..