Shirley Rose Bourgaize

Shirley Rose Bourgaize was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Shirley always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Shirley was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Her parents were Violet Louisa Rose and John Austin Peter Lelacheur. Shirley was raised in Rosebridge, Gaspé, Québec. Always able to express herself well, Shirley possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Shirley was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Shirley was able to relate well with others. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Shirley was raised with four siblings. She had two older sisters: Jean and Joyce, an older brother Freeman and a younger brother Keith. Shirley had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Shirley showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Shirley enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. In her spare time she liked reading, fishing, games and puzzles. An avid reader, she was very knowledgeable in many topics and loved to debate and play the devils advocate. Shirley often dreamed of becoming a journalist when she grew up.

Friends and acquaintances found Shirley an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Shirley was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. Two of her childhood friends were Audrey Rabey and Precious McAfee. Growing up in a small close knit community, she had many friends including cousins and extended family.

On March 3, 1943 Shirley exchanged wedding vows with Randolph John Bourgaize at the St. Matthews United Church of Rosebridge, Gaspé, Québec. Shirley was attentive to Randolph's feelings, and she charmed Randolph and others with her gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Shirley was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. She and Randolph opened their door to family and friends alike. Newcomers were always welcome and often resulted in lifelong friendships.

Very much like a kid herself, Shirley identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities. Being a stay at home mom, she was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards helping her children acquire added common sense skills. Shirley was blessed with five children: two daughters: Maureen and Lorraine and three sons: Glenn, Randy and Robin. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren: Cindy, Blain, Lynn, Glenn, Erin, Kristie, Kara, Amy and Ashley, 11 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Craig, Mitchell, Evan, Noah, Brooklyn, Brody, Austin, Karissa, Lennon and Oliver and two great-great-grandchildren: Hunter and Easton.

Shirley was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Shirley’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. She could be a leader who sought impact for her decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Shirley was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Shirley could multi-task, and she was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Shirley was employed as a waitress in Montreal for a short period and as the church treasurer at St. Matthews United Church.

Shirley enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Her favourite pursuits were coin collecting, sculpting, woodworking, sewing, gardening and taking computer courses. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Because she liked to take risks, Shirley was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. Recreational sports included swimming, cycling and fishing until she could no longer participate due to health reasons. Shirley was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favourite events whenever she got the opportunity. Top on her list was hockey especially when the Habs were playing but she also enjoyed watching golf and the Blue Jays play.

Shirley was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made her a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which she belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Shirley worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout her later years, Shirley was an active member of the UCW, bible studies and teaching summer bible school for children.

Shirley was a generous woman who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that she was so active and giving in her community. Shirley was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the United Church Womens Group. Politically, Shirley was Conservative Party Supporter.

Shirley held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to her. She was a lifetime member of St. Matthew's United Church. During that time, she was part of the United Church Womens Group.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Shirley truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favourite vacations included Florida.

Shirley was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Shirley’s favourites was Ruff, a mixed breed dog. They were best friends for 12 years. Her family was rounded out by her Budgie Bitsy, two dogs Rinty and Bimbo a couple of cats , Skippy, Skippy 2 and lastly Sheba. "

Shirley passed away on December 1, 2015 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her children: Maureen, Lorraine, Randy and Robin, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Services were held at Coutts Funeral Home. Shirley was laid to rest in Rosebridge United Church Cemetery, Gaspé, Québec.

Shirley was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. If Shirley had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She was always ready to put housework aside and play a game of any kind with her kids, grandkids or friends. She was always very interested in what they were doing and had a knack for making them feel important. As one of the grandchildren put it "Gran made me want to be a better person.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Shirley Rose Bourgaize.

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BOURGAIZE, Shirley Rose (nee LeLacheur) was called home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday December 1, 2015, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Randolph Bourgaize (2005). Cherished and much loved Mom of Maureen, Lorraine, (Bob), Randy (Doreen) and Robin (Lynn); proud Grandmother of Cindy, Lynn (Jim), Glenn (Corinne}, Erin (Chris), Kristie (Gerry), Kara (Mike), Amy and Ashley: Great-Grandmother of Jacob, Craig (Sarah), Mitchell, Evan, Noah, Brooklyn, Jade, Brody, Ryan , Austin, Karissa, Lennon and Oliver and Great-Great Grandmother of Hunter and Easton. We loved her dearly. A Memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews St., Cambridge ON on Saturday December 5, 2015 at 1:30 pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial donations to The Alzheimer Society or to the Canadian Cancer Society.