Spears, Shirley – Mom passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep on Friday, August 31, 2018. She was just a couple of months shy of her 93rd birthday, which she was looking forward to sharing with her family. Shirley was born in Halifax to the late Thomas and Florence (Mayo) Inkpen.
She was predeceased by her husband, William “Bill”; her siblings, Marge, Verna and Tommy. She leaves behind her sons, William (Judy) and Daniel (Christine); grandchildren, Tracy, Melissa, Mark, Greg, Lindsay; great-grandchildren, Kate, Ava, Connell, Harper, Sebastian, Theo and Max.
Mom’s early years growing up were on Gladstone Street in Halifax until the start of the Second World War. She then moved to Ketch Harbour to work in the store her father opened to serve the hundreds of soldiers stationed there guarding the outer reaches of Halifax Harbour. Shirley formed many friendships and fond memories at this time and carried them with her throughout her life. It is the stories of these memories that are cherished by her family. During this time she caught the eye of a young local lad who was serving in the Canadian Navy and after the war they started dating. Soon after they were married, and raised their family. She and her husband Bill enjoyed 58 years of marriage, including 23 years of retirement together where they spent summers at their cottage in Stewiacke.
Prior to retirement, Mom worked for 20 years at the old Halifax Infirmary, until 1984. One of Mom’s greatest qualities was the love and devotion she showed towards her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom truly was an inspiration as she always put everyone else before herself. Although small in stature, Mom always had a positive zest for life and used this to overcome many serious health issues and when no one would ever expect her to rebound, there she was again, packing her bags and heading to Stewiacke to open the cottage. She was very happy again this July to be able to spend time at her beloved cottage known to family and friends as Huck-a-Buck Lodge.
Mom lived in her own home until just a few weeks ago. We would like to thank the staff of Northwood Homecare who made this possible over the past three years, as well as special friends, Muriel and Bonita, who helped by staying with Mom. Mom was also blessed by having the greatest caring neighbours on Beresford Road, as well as Norm, Byron and Brenda in Stewiacke. Thanks also to the staff at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home who made Mom’s short time there filled with such great compassion and care. Finally, we would like to send one special thank you to Diane D’Arcy, Mom’s doctor for so many years. You were gold in Mom’s eyes and after all, how many physicians make a house call in a blizzard on cross-country skiis!
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A private burial service and celebration of Mom’s life will take place at a later date for family and close friends. If you wish, donations may be made to The Lung Association Nova Scotia, Canadian Cancer Society or any charity of your choice.
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