August 6, 1930 - February 16, 2020
After a brief stay at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, Mom passed away peacefully with her family at her side.
Shirley was born in Blaine Washington on August 6th, 1930, but spent all of her childhood in the BC lower mainland, in places like parts of Vancouver Island, Chilliwack, Furry Creek and Vancouver. She spent more than 60 years since 1954 in Williams lake, where she, with her husband Earl Peterson, raised their two children. She managed the payroll and accounting for their thriving logging business. She was also busy volunteering with several service clubs in Williams Lake as it grew from a tiny close-knit village community into the city it is today. In the '70s, she and Earl owned a ranch in the Fort Fraser area, and for a brief time owned a small motel in Madeira Park on the Sunshine Coast; however, they always continued to maintain a home in Williams Lake.
Throughout her life, Shirley was always ensuring that others felt welcome in her home when she was around. Her house on the hill has always enjoyed a steady stream of family and friends chatting comfortably on the sun deck, sipping coffee or something stronger, and savouring the delicious smells of dinner or a snack wafting from the open front door. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, Shirley could always be found tending to her other passion -- her huge garden. If she wasn't attacking those pesky weeds that kept encroaching on her beautiful flowers and yummy vegies, she was challenging the other garden predator, the deer, harassing them with her air horn or a paint ball gun full of frozen paint balls.
Shirley is predeceased by three husbands -- Peter Andronik, Earl Peterson, and Martin Kester, and a brother, Ivan Wells. She is sorely missed by her sister, Norma Young, her daughter Diana Brent of Calgary, son Wayne Peterson of Williams lake, son-in-law Doug, daughter-in-law Kathy, four grand-children and their spouses, nine great-grand-children, a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and step children, grand-children and great-grand-children, and many friends both in town and throughout BC.
There is no service at this time, but a Celebration of Life is planned for August. No flowers please.
The family would like to thank Dr. Routtu and all the staff at Cariboo Memorial Hospital and Williams Lake Seniors' Village for their excellent care. Special thanks to Sharn Rai for her patient and sympathetic care in Mom's final weeks.
Rest in peace, Shirley.