On May 20, 1937, Shirley M. Holder was born in Guyana, South America. She was the only surviving daughter of her parents, Ruby and Frederick. Shirley's brothers, Winston, George, William, Michael, Norman, Frederick and Lennox, were happy to have a sister amongst them. Shirley was predeceased by four of her brothers: Winston, Michael, William and George.
Nursing was Shirley's passion. During her lifetime, she pursued a career in nursing on three continents: South America, Europe and North America. During her career in nursing, Shirley became certified in many different areas of her profession. At one time, she was actively involved in midwifery.
Shirley decided to make Canada her permanent home.
She married, divorced, and remained happily single for the rest of her life.
To be healthy, strong, and active were conscious choices that Shirley always made. She loved to walk and could walk faster than most people her age and younger. She loved dancing, especially line-dancing. In addition to walking and dancing, Shirley enjoyed attending live performances such as concerts and plays.
She enjoyed cooking, often baked her own bread, and usually ate
healthily. Shirley planned to have a long, active, and independent life, and she did.
Because of her career choice, Shirley's life touched countless lives. The lives that she affected most, in our opinion, were the people in her family.
Family was very important to Shirley. She often travelled with members of her family. During her holidays, she visited many of them in the United States and travelled to the US to attend special family occasions such as graduations and weddings.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt and friend.
She was a complex woman who was admired and respected.
Shirley M. Holder will always be remembered by her family with enduring love.
Acknowledgement
The Holder family acknowledges with deep appreciation all acts of kindness that was extended to us during this time of bereavement.
May God bless you all.
