Shirley Lucille Layman

Shirley Lucille Layman, 91, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026. Born on May 25, 1935, in Camrose, Alberta, Shirley devoted her life to her family, her community, and to sharing kindness with everyone she met. She Lived in Victoria and spent her later years in Qualicum, BC, where she was cherished by many.

She is survived by her loving husband Bill; her children Terri (partner Kay), Todd (wife Josephine), and Janice (husband Tony); and her grandchildren Nicole and Dillon, Sydney, Jason and Holly, as well as her great-granddaughter. Each of them will forever carry her warmth, her wisdom, and the countless ways she shaped their lives.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Albert Edward and Leonora Clara Kruger Tanner, and her siblings Ellsworth Tanner (Kelly), Ralph Tanner, and Ivie Marie (Marie) Lorimer.

The youngest of four, Shirley grew up on the family farm and graduated early from a one room schoolhouse where her sister Marie was her teacher. She began her career with Imperial Oil in Camrose before traveling west to Victoria, where she worked for a law firm and met Bill. After briefly returning to Camrose, she told Bill she “might” be back — and she was. They married soon after and built a life filled with adventure, hard work, and deep devotion.

Shirley was an avid bowler, participating in leagues in both Camrose and Victoria. She raised her three children with love and resilience, including during the family’s three years in Inuvik, NWT, where Bill was posted with the Navy. When they returned to Victoria and the children were in school, Shirley worked for the CRD. Bill’s final posting took them to Ottawa for five years, where Shirley worked at a paint and wallpaper store — an experience that sparked the idea for the wallpaper and painting business she and Bill later built together.

When Bill retired from the Navy, they returned west and settled in Parksville, BC, where their business flourished. Shirley often said, “If you can wallpaper together, you can stay married,” a testament to both her humor and the strength of their partnership. In August 2025, Bill and Shirley celebrated 65years of marriage. Shirley also celebrated her 91st birthday in May 2026.

Shirley was loved by all who knew her. Her beautiful, infectious smile and her gentle kindness were constants throughout her life. She delighted her children with stories of riding her horse — or skiing behind it — to school each day, “in the snow, uphill both ways.” Even in her final days, when she no longer recognized everyone around her, she still greeted each visitor with joy.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at the Qualicum Legion on August 27, 2026, from 2-4pm.