Shirley transitioned on June 2 after a brief hospital stay to join the great adventure beyond.
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to her parents Archie and Lottie McGowan and big sister to brother Donald McGowan and sister Janet Farquarson she had a wonderful family that set the tone for the rest of her life. She was predeceased suddenly by her loving husband Jim Noble in 1989 and since then showed us how to move forward with grace and class. Along with her beloved children Janet Boeckx (Grant, Paris) and Bruce Noble (Ilda, Josh) she created a life of adventure, fun, laughter and comfort. Truly the matriarch of our family, she was deeply loved, loving and able to find the humour in any situation. Shirley was vital and curious until the very end at the young age of 92. She was a career woman with CIBC well before it was the norm for women to work outside of home or to be in a management position. After she retired, she travelled with her dear friends, enjoyed regular getaways at her condo in Whistler and spent time with her kids and grand-kids.
Shirley was a true gem. She lived in the house she and Jim built in South Burnaby for almost five decades. Her door was always open and she believed in “the more the merrier.” She created beauty and fun wherever she went. She was a true creator with her extraordinary talents as a seamstress and knitter. After a day in the garden, a cold beer was her treat. She was known for her earrings to match every occasion and wore a different pair every day. She loved fashion and design but also had a good business mind and a head for numbers.
Shirley will be remembered fondly by all who knew her as a good friend, a curious soul and mostly a loving mother, grandmother and aunt. A real class act until the very end... Shirley, surely will remain forever young in our hearts.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held Friday, September 1st at Riverway Golf Course, Burnaby 1:00-3:00 pm.
