Shirley was born February 12, 1935 to Gilbert and Leah McKay. She was baptized in the Trinity Church of Merlin, on December 1 of that year. She had two sisters Margery McLoed and Nancy (2013), (Bob) Haddock.
Shirley grew up in Merlin and attended Merlin District High where she met many lifelong friends.
In 1952, she went to work at the Merlin Post Office. She was devoted to her work as a Postmaster assistant.
In 1956 she married her sweetheart Beverley Pepper. Two years later in 1958 she resigned from the Post Office so they could start a family. Beverley and Shirley welcomed their first son Jim into the world in 1960. A year later in 1961 they were blessed with another son, Terry. In 1963 they were over the moon with their first daughter, Tracey. A few years later in 1965 another beautiful girl, MaryLynn was born.
With a heavy heart in 1977 Shirley lost her forever sweetheart suddenly when Bev passed away. Her heart was broken but she didn’t give up. She went back to work at the Post Office, retiring 20 years later.
Shirley welcomed Randy Russell into the family the year of 1982 when he married her daughter, Tracey. Later that year Shirley was proud to announce the birth of her first grandchild, Melissa. Three years later her heart filled with joy at the birth of her second grandchild, Michael.
Many years later in 2010 Shirley’s family grew again when her Granddaughter, Melissa married Kellan Zimmer. In 2011 she became a Great-Grandmother to a little girl, Zoey and once again four years later to a little boy, Kelvin.
In 2015 Shirley’s Grandson, Michael married Heidi Chouinard and just when it was thought that her heart couldn’t be any fuller, she was blessed with another Great-Grandson, Jasper in 2019.
Shirley’s son-in-law, David Mifflin, was always near to her heart.
Shirley loved to crochet. She created beautiful blankets for each of her Grandchildren and her Great Grandchildren. She would tell you that she was making something beautiful for someone she loved.
Shirley will be remembered for her strength and determination, her love and compassion, and her beautiful and humorous spirit. As a Grandma and a Gram Gram she will be remembered for her snuggles, she had the best hugs and sneaking treats because one won’t hurt.
Fanny Beckstead, a very dear friend of Shirley’s will remember the long chats and good laughs they shared over the past 40 years.
A special heartfelt Thanks go to Murray Mifflin (late Esther) and their family for helping Shirley and her children after Bev’s passing in 1977-1978.
Thank you to the angels at the Chatham Retirement Resort who helped Shirley through her last years.
Weather it was Shirley, Mom, Grandma, or Gram Gram she was always waiting at the door with a smile and a hug. She lit up from the inside out at the sight of anyone she loved. Shirley has taken her seat once again at the canasta card table with her dear friends Hazel and Bill Gifford.
Friends wishing to remember Shirley with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider either the Alzheimers Society https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en/take-action/donate or the Ronald McDonald House https://www.rmhc-swo.ca/how-you-can-help/online-donation.
