Shirley "Kirkpatrick" Edith Mary Herron

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Edith Mary Herron (née Kirkpatrick), in the early morning hours of a brilliant thunderstorm on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, at Kelowna General Hospital. Shirley was 98 years old. Her family is deeply saddened but so grateful to have had our wonderful matriarch for as long as we did.

Born and raised in her beloved town of Penticton, BC on June 24, 1928, Shirley’s tenacity, independence and determination to succeed showed themselves from an early age. At just 8 years old, she was whisked off to Vancouver via the Kettle Valley Railway for a life-saving operation — and it was there, her family believes, that her true grit first took hold.

Her husband Jack took to love this tenacious, confident and gorgeous young woman. Jack and Shirley met in her hometown after he took notice of her beauty while she was sitting on a fence enjoying an ice cream. Jack and Shirley travelled extensively, making memories in Tahiti, Hawaii, Mexico and Las Vegas. Together they started a life in Vancouver where she had her first three sons before moving back to the Okanagan, where she had her last son at KGH. Her four boys kept her on her toes and enlightened her on fowling, hunting, fishing and tom-foolery.

Shirley was remarked for her musical talent as a pianist that played the classics for those she loved. Her great grandchildren would gather at the piano, listen and dance a toddler poke. She shared her love of music by teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren how to play the piano, music literacy and how to love music.

Her fierce, competitive and independent nature carried her the rest of her life. She loved to travel, especially with her sister, Sheilah. She played tennis until she was nearly 90, and gave up golf at 88 only because she felt she might be slowing the other players down. She cherished her friendships with all her friends, gathering nearly every Saturday morning at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, where she had been a member since 1963. Her kindness and sweet consideration for others were always the foremost part of her bright character. Shirley remained absolutely determined and strongly independent throughout her life, and her fortitude carried her straight through to the end.

Shirley was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to all. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Jack, and her eldest son, Greg. She is survived by her loving sons Mark (Caroline), Bob (Cathay), and Kirk (Joanne); her 8 much-loved grandchildren Johnathan Herron, Shauna Buttar, Tawny Mujkic, Thomas Herron, Curtis Herron, Cody Herron, Andrea Herron and Micheal Herron; and 9 great-grandchildren. Also cherished, is her lifetime friend and niece, Sharon Chase.

Shirley’s family invites those that shared in her memories to a Celebration of her Life on Thursday, September 17th from 1 til 3 pm at Kelowna Golf and Country Club.