Tribute

Shirley was born in Vancouver, BC on March 14, 1949, and passed away peacefully at her home in Oliver, BC on June 12, 2022.

She was predeceased by her son, Chris Bell; her husband of 51 years, Gordon Bell; her father, Ashton; her mother, Margaret; her sisters, Gloria, Beverly and Bonnie and brothers, Robert and Stanley.

Shirley will be fondly remembered by her loving family including her daughter, Connie Parker; her grandchildren, Tyler Portelance (Elisha), Melissa Portelance (Doug) and Nolan Bell; 6 great-grandchildren, Ashton, Corbin, Aaron, Finn, Grey and Mara; Bob Fladmark (Bonnie), Maria Bell (Robert) and many nieces and nephews.

She worked for the family business (Rotary Pies) where she met Gordie. After they were married, she continued to work until Connie was born. Shirley would tell how she brought Connie to work and put boxes around her so she wouldn’t get out. Shirley also worked for National Cellulose as a bookkeeper, a cookie company and her last job were at a Shell gas station in Langley.

Shirley and Gordie travelled to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Reno and on many cruises. They had a camper van that they would take on road trips. Heading to Loon Lake where Bonnie and Bob Fladmark owned a fishing resort was always a highlight for them.

Shirley volunteered with Lupus Canada and did as much as she could to raise awareness about Lupus. She was also a member of a Horse Club when she was younger.

Her favourite song was Mr. Sandman and her favourite colour was purple. Mom loved horses and owned a beautiful horse named Tammy but due to her health, she had to give her up. Shirley and Gordie were avid gardeners. Shirley was always learning and seeking answers and Connie would call her Dr. Shirley as she knew the answers to most ailments and if she did not, she would find out. Baking and cooking were her passion. She would tweak recipes all the time to perfect them. She was famous for her caesar salad dressing, key lime pie, breaded oysters for Gordie on his birthday and caramel shortbread to name a few. She loved to re-purpose things by painting them and enjoyed crocheting blankets for her kids.

Shirley didn’t want a celebration of life or service. She wanted hers and Gordie’s ashes to be spread on Vancouver Island.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com