Obituary of Shirley Sylvia Jeanne Campbell

Shirley Sylvia Jeanne Campbell passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of boundless love, laughter, and selflessness. To know Shirley was to know a woman whose heart was as big as the world she explored. She would do anything for anyone, often putting others needs ahead of hers without hesitation.

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on November 27, 1928, to William and Esther Graham, Shirley's 96 years were filled with rich experiences and unwavering optimism. Born 24 years after her eldest sibling, Shirley grew up surrounded by stories from an older generation, which perhaps shaped her wisdom and resilience.

She lived through the Great Depression, embraced every era from go-go boots to skyrocketing interest rates, and even found herself evacuated during a chlorine gas leak from a train derailment in Mississauga. Her adventurous and courageous nature led her to travel extensively around the world, including solo explorations of China and the USSR. Among all the places she explored, Shirley's heart belonged to Greece, her favourite destination, where the history, culture, and beauty captivated her spirit.

Shirley loved every new place she called home, and the artist inside her is known for painting murals on her walls to spruce things up a bit. She created a warm, joyful environment with every move, ensuring her family felt rooted wherever they landed.

Her ability to embrace change with grace was a gift she passed on to her children and grandchildren, who embody her poise, resilience and kindness to this day.

Shirley's love and kindness knew no bounds. Friendships spanning decades and distances were a testament to her loyalty and effort. From her 77-year friendship with Bob Wilson to countless others, Shirley proved that miles could never weaken the bonds she built. Her impeccable handwriting and talent for correspondence made her a lifelong pen pal, keeping relationships alive even across great distances.

Shirley's delightful sense of humour and infectious laugh were among her most endearing qualities. She had a knack for lifting spirits and spreading joy wherever she went. Always fashionable, Shirley could often be seen in perfectly coordinated outfits complete with matching necklaces and earrings. Her attention to detail extended to her family life, where she and her beloved husband, Glenn, made it a tradition to add ‘hug photos’ of themselves embracing to their fridge each year—a visual testament to their enduring love.

Shirley's goal in life was simple yet profound: to be a mother. After 13 years of waiting for her dream to come true, she welcomed her two daughters, Barbara Lynn (the late Brent Mitchell) in 1959 and Lynda Anne (Greg Baxter) in 1962. She poured her heart into motherhood, her love serving as the foundation of her family. Her time as a mother began later than she had wanted, so Shirley made her mark in the workforce. From co-owning The Spinning Wheel in Saskatoon to retouching photographs at Charmberry's, her artistic talents shone.

When the family relocated to Toronto in 1974, Shirley's vibrant personality and innate ability to connect with people landed her a perfect job at The Anderson People. Her charm was undeniable—she was hired on the spot! Later, in Calgary, she worked as a receptionist for Honeywell, where her warmth and charisma touched everyone she met.

Shirley had always aspired to be a mother—a role at which she excelled—but it was in her capacity as a grandmother that her talents, generosity, and capabilities truly flourished during her and Glenn's retirement years. She dedicated herself to creating lasting memories, frequently taking her grandchildren, Shannyn and Graham, for picnic lunches following extensive walks in Fish Creek Park. Demonstrating immense patience, she even undertook the task of helping at least one of her grandchildren learn to drive in her cherished Chevette, a vehicle she enjoyed using for garage sales each spring. Those who knew her can attest to her remarkable memory for stories, despite her inability to recall whether she had closed the garage door after driving away in her Chevette. To this day, one can still hear her cheerful voice saying, "Goodbye, closed door. OK, are we taking a plane, train, or automobile today, kids?"

Among her many gifts, Shirley could play piano by ear, a talent that she didn’t share with everyone. She also taught three generations of her family how to play cards—imparting lessons not only in the rules of the game but in playing fairly, winning and losing kindly, and keeping score. These values became a cornerstone of her family's shared traditions and experiences.

As ‘Nana,’ Shirley adored her grandchildren, Shannyn Rus (née Creary) (Sebastiaan Rus) of Kitimat, BC; Graham Creary (Kristina Creary) of Grande Prairie, AB; Bradley Mitchell of Langdon, AB; Brock Mitchell of Langdon, AB; and Amy Robert (Joel) of Innisfail, AB. Her great-grandchildren —Brayden, Zarah, Cooper, Piper, Noah, Eliot, and Summer —brought immense joy to her later years. She cherished them deeply, leaving each one with treasured memories of her unconditional love and sharing with them the grace that defined her life.

Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 77 years, Glenn Campbell (2012); her parents, William and Esther Graham; her sisters, Eva and Olive; her brothers, David, Cliff, and Gordon; and her beloved Aunt Eva.

She leaves her nephews and their families: Curtis Magnuson of British Columbia, Blair Campbell, Warren Campbell, Guy Campbell of Vermillion, Alberta, Shane Campbell of Red Deer, Alberta, and the late David Graham of Toronto, Ontario.

She leaves her nieces and their families, whose lives she enriched with her warmth. Linda Christensen of Lethbridge, Alberta, Donna Hagan of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, and Wendie Tucker of Edmonton, Alberta, are commonly known as ‘The Girls’—Terry Gilbert of Kirkland, Washington, and Barbara Greek of Orange County, California.

Our family is grateful to all of the care she received at Points West, Dr. Ojo and the nursing staff at the Stettler Hospital for their exceptional support and dedication to her care.

To everyone who had the privilege of meeting Shirley, she was “terrific,” “adorable,” and “one of a kind.” Her generosity and love were extraordinary gifts, inspiring admiration from everyone who knew her.

In honoring Shirely’s wishes no

formal funeral service will be held

In memory of Shirley, honour her kind spirit by bringing joy to others, easing their burdens, and sharing a smile. It was her wish that you visit the Music Museum in Calgary to see her family's piano or explore and appreciate the work of local artists.