Shirley Lorraine Stephenson (nee Weston)

In Memory of Shirley Lorraine Stephenson (nee Weston)
It is with profound sadness we share that Shirley Lorraine Stephenson (nee Weston) born in Lashburn, Saskatchewan on Feb. 26, 1937, passed away on Aug. 22, 2023, at Hamilton General Hospital after a sudden and brief illness.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald Wayne Stephenson, her daughters Leah Stephenson, Lori Stephenson (Brad Thorman), her three grandchildren, Grace Wilson, Anna Wilson, and Nolan Mason, her brother Wayne Weston (Sharon), loving nieces and nephews, and grand-doggies, Jasper, Bella, and D’Arcy. She is pre-deceased by her youngest brother Baden (Bud) Weston.
Shirley grew up on a farm in Maidstone, Saskatchewan with her parents, Walter and Florence Weston, and brothers Wayne and Bud. She was an avid ball player, often in the catcher’s position, and accomplished pianist. Shirley would often play for local weddings, funerals, and at house-party sing-a-longs.
Following high school, Shirley attended Nursing School at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, graduating in 1958. She was an exceptional nurse and had a long career within hospitals, doctors’ offices, and retirement homes. After retiring from nursing, she made a career change obtaining a certificate in gemology and securing a job at Reed’s Jewelry in Connecticut where she delighted customers and took full advantage of the employee discount.
In 1960 Shirley married her sweetheart Don and together, during 45 years with CIBC, they created a life of adventure. They said yes to opportunities that took them to multiple towns in Saskatchewan, Grenada, Ontario (Toronto, Oakville, London, and Burlington), New York City, Barbados, and ultimately Florida where they retired.
Travel continued after retirement to China, Japan, South Africa, England, Scotland, Ireland, the Nordic Countries, Italy, France, Portugal, the Greek Isles, Australia, most of the Caribbean, and multiple spots in the United States and Canada.
Shirley loved music she could dance to, Mount Gay Rum, and the finer things. She was a good cook, a wonderful hostess, pretty good Mah-Jongg player, an aspiring banjo player, and enjoyed puzzles and needlework.
Shirley befriended all those around her and was known for her caring nature, quick wit, and generosity.
Throughout her life, Shirley touched the lives of many and continued to during her hospital stay. Nurses, Doctors, Support Staff, and other patients recognized her spunk, sense of humour, and caring nature. Even from her own bed, Shirley wanted to lessen the suffering and discomfort of others.
Shirley was proud of her family, grateful for her friends, and considered herself to be truly blessed. She was a strong presence, and she will be missed.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Thursday, August 31 from 4 – 8 p.m., with Tributes by the family at 7 p.m.
Shirley’s family would like to extend their thanks for the incredible medical expertise and support provided to her at Hamilton General Hospital.
Shirley always said she wanted flowers while she was living, and since the world needs more nurses, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Faculty of Nursing – Dean’s Fund at the University of Alberta.
Go to the Faculty of Nursing Giving website to make a gift online, or send donations payable to the “University of Alberta” to the Office of the Recording Secretary at 3-600, 10230 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4P6, noting your donation is in memory of Shirley Stephenson (nee Weston), Class of 1958. For any additional assistance please email giving@ualberta.ca or to Hamilton General Hospital Foundation.
www.smithsfh.com