Shirley May Kuntz

Shirley May Kuntz (nee McRitchie), 96, of Chilliwack, BC, transitioned peacefully in her sleep on Friday, September 11, 2026; it was the gentle ending that she had hoped for after several years of significant pain.

No matter where she went, or how long she'd been away, Shirley remained at heart a Maritimer who had been born in Saint John, NB. Shirley made an unfortunate early marriage; as a military wife, she lived for a while in Calgary, AB, then in Québec, QC, where her daughter was born, and in Kingston, ON. After taking the courageous step of leaving the marriage (it took courage in 1952), she settled in Ottawa, ON, where she spent most of her adult life. She spent most of her working years at Ottawa Hydro, where she met and married the love of her life, Norm Kuntz. It was an unlikely match: he had played hockey for the Wembley Lions in England and was a golfer; she loathed sports and loved puttering in her garden. Still, they made a wonderful marriage, and Norm referred to her as his bride right up until the day he died.

In addition to tending to her home and garden, Shirley loved music, dancing, and having a really good laugh. Most of all, she loved her family. She was tremendously supportive of, and a best friend to, her daughter, and she doted on her grandson.

After Norm's death, Shirley made the westward migration to Chilliwack, BC, where she spent the remainder of her life, with most of it being active and happy. She had a few health scares before her daughter was able to move from Ottawa to join her, and a special thanks goes to her niece Pam Roseboom and her husband Bill, who were there for her when she needed help.

Shirley will be dearly missed by her daughter, Victoria Reeve; her grandson, David Reeve of Ottawa, ON; sister, Patricia Spallin of Alberta; brother, William (Patti) of Nanaimo, BC; several cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as her good friends Doris & Bernie Thiessen and Tina & Bob Lutz, who were especially good to her.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Norman Kuntz; her parents, Leonard & Ruth (nee Poore) McRitchie; sister Donna Coles; brother Len McRitchie; and treasured aunts Gladys Quinn (nee Poore) and Mavis Phillips (nee Poore)

A special thanks goes out to Jim, Jennifer, Karen, Rebecca, and Judy at Eden, who were her brightest of lights in her darkest of days. She loved you all.

At Shirley's request, there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to the Ann Davis Transition Society or the Chilliwack BC SPCA. A link to donate is below.

The best way to honour Shirley's Memory is to hold your family close, find a reason to laugh every single day, and never forget to dance.