Obituary of Shirley Alberta MacPherson

Shirley Alberta MacPherson New Waterford With hearts broken but memories everlasting, we announce the passing of our beloved Shirley. After a life well lived Shirley MacPherson, age 86 passed away peacefully, Friday, January 20th, 2017 with her loving family by her side. Born March 30th, 1930, Shirley was raised and spent her entire life in New Waterford, N.S. She was the daughter of the late Arthur Glencross and Delia (Wilson) Penny. She is survived by her daughter Pennylou (Brent) McIsaac with whom she resided and her grandson Reilly who filled her with deep pride. She is also survived by her sister Dorthea (Robert) Grimes, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband, John Gordon (Jackie) who passed away unexpectedly in 1982. As well she was predeceased by her siblings, Margaret, Evelyn, Jean (William) Burke, Arthur (Euphrasia) Penny and a sister Evangeline in infancy. Her early education was at Central School where she made lifelong friends and formed lasting memories. Upon leaving school she worked at several retail stores in both Sydney and New Waterford including The Smart Shop and Schwartz of New Waterford. An active member of Calvin United Church, she was very involved in many aspects including Calvin UCW from which she received the Lifetime Membership Award, Committee of Stewards, and was a lifelong member of the Calvin Senior Choir which gave her great joy. From childhood she enjoyed passing any free time that she may have had playing her piano for her own pleasure and amusement. A great sports enthusiast Shirley enjoyed bowling, playing cards, watching baseball, basketball and was a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Shirley was very community minded and it was sometimes hard to keep track of her as she kept herself busy working with groups such as the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic, delivering Meals on Wheels and spending many hours tirelessly working with the members of Combined Christmas Giving Committee. Jackie was always present in her memories and stories. The bungalow in Mira, purchased the day before Pennylou was born, was always a special place. Once the school year was over they couldn’t wait to get there. They loved to share their little piece of heaven with everyone they knew family and friends alike. Many great meals, swimming and boating, and campfires followed by sing-a-longs that went well into the night created enough memories to last a lifetime and beyond. Arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. Visitation will be Monday, January 23rd, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with the service at Calvin United Church, Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 at 11 a.m. Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. A reception will take place in the Rev. Duncan Roach Fellowship Room. Interment in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date. Donations may be made to Calvin United Church or charity of one’s choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca